CHARITIES on the frontline of the housing affordability crisis say the federal government's $2.1 billion HomeBuilder stimulus package would have been better invested in social housing.
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A University of NSW's report on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on rental housing and homelessness in Australia found HomeBuilder had increased housing affordability stress.
"In summary, policy responses to COVID-19 that aimed to support residential property prices have overshot, inflaming housing affordability stress and compounding household indebtedness," the report stated.
In the 12 months to September 2021, property values in Australia increased by more than 20 per cent, the highest growth in value reported for more than 30 years.
Rent inflation across regional Australia also surged by 12.4 per cent in the year to August 2021, while private rental supply fell by 6 per cent across regional NSW.
St Vincent de Paul Wagga Central Council president Peter Burgess said social housing investment would have provided the same amount of jobs and economic stimulation without disadvantaging lower-income workers.
"If that money had gone into social housing instead, it would have provided the same amount of work for tradies which is what some of it was about," he said.
"It would have taken the pressure off the private stock of housing and would have provided more housing for people who are in desperate need of it. So I think the government got it wrong."
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Local charities have been under immense pressure during the pandemic to place people in emergency accommodation, with availability and inadequate facilities ongoing issues.
However, Mr Burgess said even some in the private market have asked for assistance, with some residents anxious they may struggle to find affordable accommodation before the end of their lease.
"There are people in the private market who can barely afford to pay the rent and feed themselves," he said.
"We see people who are spending 50 per cent or more of their income on rent. We need to do something about social housing so that we take the pressure off the private rental market."
UNSW's report stated that "the growing backlog of priority social housing applicants reflects the failure of Australian governments to grow social housing in line with rising need".
It said the NSW government's $812 million investment in "new and upgraded housing" announced in November 2020, as well as a subsequent $183 million funding tranche, were "relatively small commitments" proportionate to the state's size.
The report concluded by stating the revival of the country's social housing sector was well overdue, with 400,000 families across Australia in need of affordable accommodation.
St Vincent de Paul continues to lobby governments to provide more housing through its 'Build Homes, Build Hope' campaign.
In the past six years, the not-for-profit has built more than 500 housing sites across NSW and more than 50 locally.
"You just haven't got a life if you haven't got accommodation," Mr Burgess said.
"It affects education for kids, the flexibility to get a job, relationships, it affects everything."
Hayley Wilkinson
Born and raised within the Riverina, Hayley launched her journalism career at The Daily Advertiser in September 2021. During her time she covered events, entertainment and human interest stories.
Born and raised within the Riverina, Hayley launched her journalism career at The Daily Advertiser in September 2021. During her time she covered events, entertainment and human interest stories.
