With soaring property prices, stagnant wages, and a scarcity of affordable housing, countless Australians find themselves locked out of the housing market or struggling to keep a roof over their heads.

It's a crisis transcending statistics, touching the lives of families, individuals, and communities from coast to coast.

As the crisis deepens, more and more stories of struggling Aussie families are entering our radar. Such is the case of the Fletcher family.


Cameron and Tameka Fletcher, along with their six young children, found themselves without a permanent home, living in a tent as they navigate the complexities and challenges of Australia's housing crisis.

For over six months, the Fletchers had been moving from campsite to campsite, a far cry from the stability and comfort of the home they once knew.


Their plight began when their lease ended, and they could not secure another rental property.

Now, they've set up in a makeshift tent city in a Brisbane park, a visual testament to the severity of the housing shortage.

The family's struggle was not just about shelter. It affected every aspect of their lives, from the practicalities of daily living, such as showering and preparing meals, to the future of their children's education.

Mr Fletcher said, ‘We’re having to keep finding ways for them to have breakfast every morning.’

One of their daughters is at the age to start primary school; however, she cannot be enrolled without a permanent address.

This disruption to their children's education and routine is a heartbreaking consequence of their housing instability.


The Department of Housing has reportedly been in contact with the Fletchers.

The Fletchers expressed willingness to relocate to a three-bedroom house, yet the Department of Housing insists on providing only a five-bedroom property to prevent overcrowding.

However, none were reportedly available.

The Department of Housing said in a statement that it ‘has been working with the family since September last year, including providing accommodation which they chose to leave’.

The Department of Housing added, ‘As we’ve been assisting them to find longer-term options, they have declined further offers of accommodation.’

The Fletchers, however, saidtheir experience with the department had been frustrating, expressing feeling 'shut out' and have been struggling to get responses to their inquiries.

‘They don’t reply to messages, emails, nothing,’ Ms Fletcher said.

The department stated that certain eligibility criteria, including income thresholds, must be met to qualify for social housing.

‘The department continues to work with the family to find a private rental and give any other support they might need,’ they said.


This family's situation is not an isolated incident. Across Australia, many families face similar challenges due to low vacancy rates and skyrocketing rental prices.

‘Everyone here is going through the same thing,’ Mr Fletcher said.

Such is the case for this tradie who was forced into homelessness and is now struggling to keep himself and his belongings safe.

In Brisbane alone, the median unit rent surged by almost 13 per cent, with house rents not far behind.

Sydney, the most expensive city for renters in Australia, saw rent climb by more than $150 per week in numerous suburbs.

The national vacancy rate also plummeted to a record low of 0.7 per cent, highlighting the stark disparity between the limited housing supply and the growing demand.


Earlier this year, the Queensland government announced plans to construct an additional 53,500 social homes by 2046, adding to approximately $6 billion in housing investments.

‘Backed in by a down payment towards this target of $1.25bn of additional funds, this adds to the $6bn investment in social and affordable housing our government has committed to,’ a Queensland statement read.

‘The state will also continue to partner with the federal government to secure funding to deliver on this ambitious target, including through the Social Housing Accelerator and ensuring Queensland gets its fair share under the Housing Australia Future Fund.’


However, for families like the Fletchers, the solution cannot come soon enough.

Young families like the Fletchers, aren’t the only ones struggling amidst the housing crisis.

Previous research suggested that a growing number of older Australians are also facing a bleak future due to the housing crisis.
Have you or someone you know faced housing difficulties? What solutions do you think could help alleviate the rental crisis? Let's start a conversation on the matter in the comments below.