“All Territorians deserve to have a home – a suitable home that is not overcrowded or in disrepair, according to a report released today.
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Anglicare NT CEO, Dave Pugh today said this year’s figures from the national Anglicare Australia Rental Affordability Snapshot show there is an acute and immediate housing crisis for people on income support in the Northern Territory”.
Anglicare Australia, of which Anglicare NT is a member, launched its annual Rental Affordability Snapshot in Canberra today.
“On April 2-3, we surveyed 1287 properties in the Northern Territory and found zero (0) properties that were both affordable and appropriate for people who receive Newstart Allowance, Single Parenting Payment, Disability Support Pension or Youth Allowance. This continues a trend within the Northern Territory of a lack of availability of housing stock that is both appropriate and affordable for those in our community who have the most limited resources,” Mr Pugh said.
“While rental prices as a whole may fallen recently in the Northern Territory, it is important to note that median rent price for all dwellings in Darwin was still higher than every other capital city except Sydney and Canberra”.
“On the weekend of data collection less than 8% (104) of surveyed properties were both affordable and appropriate within the Northern Territory however the only people who could afford these were a couple on the Age pension, or a couple on earning minimum wage.
“Unsafe, inadequate and expensive housing is a real concern across the Northern Territory. People who struggle to find affordable housing often resort to living in overcrowded and sometimes unsanitary conditions which constrains their capacity to maintain employment and participate within their community in a meaningful way.
“Everyone needs an affordable, secure and adequate home. Stable housing is vital for our young people in ensuring they are happy, healthy and able to reach their full potential. Studies show that children in stable housing do better in school and are less likely to experience disruption in their education due to unwanted moves.
“Decent, affordable housing reduces stress and infectious disease, which leads to improvement in both physical and mental health.
“The picture for rental affordability in the Northern Territory continues to follow a very concerning trend, with more investment required in the National Rental Affordability Scheme leveraging private investment in affordable housing.
“Failure to attract either government or private investment in affordable housing options in the Northern Territory will continue to place cost of living pressure on those who can least afford it and those who have the least housing options available to them”.
“Anglicare NT remains concerned about the lack of information about the future of housing policy in the Northern Territory and encourages both the Territory and Australian governments to make some long term strategic investments to ensure stability in housing for those people who most need support.
“Particular emphasis should be placed on housing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and young people”.
The Rental Affordability Snapshot report will be available at:
http://www.anglicare.asn.au/research-reports/the-rental-affordability-snapshot