Convince the government to review public housing rent increases
The issue
Living in a public housing unit in Waverley, Tasmania, I've recently witnessed an alarming change that affects not just me, but countless others who depend on public housing for their home. After a recent rent review, the cost of my one-bedroom unit skyrocketed from $486.80 to $536.80. This steep increase in rent is a significant blow to my finances as a low-income earner, and it's a reality many of us are facing.
Public housing is meant to be affordable—that's why it's called 'Affordable Housing'. But the reality differs drastically. With the new rates, I find myself in a position where I have to choose between basic essentials like medication, food, and utility bills. The pressure is leaving many of us hanging by a thread, struggling to make ends meet.
The government has an obligation to ensure housing remains within the financial reach of low-income individuals. Yet, the current rent hikes show a clear disconnect between public housing policies and the day-to-day realities faced by those living in such accommodations. It's time for those in charge to re-evaluate these rent increases.
Statistics show that over 3 million people in Australia live in what is considered affordable public housing. However, a significant portion of these residents face housing stress—defined as when rent takes up more than 30% of a household's income. With the rent increase, more individuals will fall into this category, inevitably leading to increased financial hardship.
We are calling on the government to take immediate action to review and correct the current public housing rent policies. Concrete solutions such as setting caps on rent increases, providing additional financial assistance, or reassessing what 'affordable rent' truly means would go a long way in addressing this crisis.
This is a plea to prevent further financial strain on those who can least afford it. Let's bring the issue to the forefront and urge the government to reconsider the unjust rent adjustments. We deserve to live without the constant fear of losing our homes or basic necessities. Please sign this petition to compel the government to act now for the well-being of all low-income residents in public housing.
68
The issue
Living in a public housing unit in Waverley, Tasmania, I've recently witnessed an alarming change that affects not just me, but countless others who depend on public housing for their home. After a recent rent review, the cost of my one-bedroom unit skyrocketed from $486.80 to $536.80. This steep increase in rent is a significant blow to my finances as a low-income earner, and it's a reality many of us are facing.
Public housing is meant to be affordable—that's why it's called 'Affordable Housing'. But the reality differs drastically. With the new rates, I find myself in a position where I have to choose between basic essentials like medication, food, and utility bills. The pressure is leaving many of us hanging by a thread, struggling to make ends meet.
The government has an obligation to ensure housing remains within the financial reach of low-income individuals. Yet, the current rent hikes show a clear disconnect between public housing policies and the day-to-day realities faced by those living in such accommodations. It's time for those in charge to re-evaluate these rent increases.
Statistics show that over 3 million people in Australia live in what is considered affordable public housing. However, a significant portion of these residents face housing stress—defined as when rent takes up more than 30% of a household's income. With the rent increase, more individuals will fall into this category, inevitably leading to increased financial hardship.
We are calling on the government to take immediate action to review and correct the current public housing rent policies. Concrete solutions such as setting caps on rent increases, providing additional financial assistance, or reassessing what 'affordable rent' truly means would go a long way in addressing this crisis.
This is a plea to prevent further financial strain on those who can least afford it. Let's bring the issue to the forefront and urge the government to reconsider the unjust rent adjustments. We deserve to live without the constant fear of losing our homes or basic necessities. Please sign this petition to compel the government to act now for the well-being of all low-income residents in public housing.
Supporter voices
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on 29 June 2026