Greens' proposal can save renters thousands amid soaring housing costs in this Aussie state
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As the cost of living continues to rise, many Australians are feeling the pinch, particularly when it comes to housing.
Renters, who make up a significant portion of the population, are facing an uphill battle as rental prices soar.
However, with this plan proposed by the Greens, thousands would be able to save on housing expenses.
In Queensland, the rise in rental prices is particularly dire, with the median hitting $550 per week—a staggering 22 per cent increase over the past two years, as reported by the Queensland Residential Tenancies Authority.
The Greens have been vocal about this issue, suggesting that Queenslanders could have saved an average of $5,395 over two years if the government had implemented a rental cap back in 2022.
This figure is based on data showing the financial impact of the end-of-tenancy increases that renters have had to bear.
The total additional cost to renters due to the 22 per cent rise is estimated at around $3.3 billion.
In some suburbs, the situation is even more pronounced. West End, for example, has seen median weekly rent prices nearly double, while Greenslopes and Lutwyche have experienced a one-third increase in costs.
Queensland Greens MP Amy MacMahon strongly advocated for renters, stating, 'Our new analysis shows that if Labor had supported my Bill for an emergency rent freeze, every Queensland renter household would have an extra $5,400 in their pockets today.'
The Greens are pushing for a two-year rental freeze and a one per cent cap on rental prices in the upcoming October election.
The state government has taken some steps to address the rental crisis, such as banning rental bidding, implementing a 12-month limit on rental increases tied to properties rather than tenancies, and introducing a portable bond scheme.
However, these measures were seen as insufficient by many, including Anglicare Australia, which argued that the government's initiatives fall short during a housing crisis.
‘While it’s good to see an end to rental bidding, this change doesn’t go far enough,’ Angelicare’s Executive Director Kasy Chambers said.
‘And changing how often landlords increase the rent doesn’t affect the size of the increases.’
The Anglicare Housing Report painted a grim picture, with only 0.5 per cent of available properties in Southern Queensland being affordable—less than 30 per cent of a person’s income—for households on welfare support, and less than 9 per cent affordable for residents on minimum wage.
The Gold Coast is bearing the brunt of these surging prices, with only 8 per cent of properties being affordable for a couple on minimum wage with two young children.
Chambers stated that it's time to enact laws to cap rental hikes, abolish no-cause evictions, and elevate the minimum standards for home livability.
She pointed out that ‘Limits on rent increases are widely used around the world and are already working in the ACT (Australian Capital Territory), which is the only part of the country where rent growth is slowing. '
‘There is no reason not to bring in limits for other states and territories.’
‘Governments must step in to protect renters,’ she added.
The call for legislation to cap rental increases and provide greater protection for renters comes at a critical time, as many Australians, particularly seniors, are feeling the pinch of rising housing costs.
These proposed changes aim to shield renters from unfair treatment and ensure that everyone has access to safe and affordable housing.
With new laws on the horizon, renters from another state can look forward to greater security and stability in the rental market, as outlined in the recent announcement highlighting game-changing regulations to protect tenants.
Have you felt the impact of rising rent prices? Do you think a rental freeze could benefit you or your loved ones? Share your stories and opinions in the comments below.
Renters, who make up a significant portion of the population, are facing an uphill battle as rental prices soar.
However, with this plan proposed by the Greens, thousands would be able to save on housing expenses.
In Queensland, the rise in rental prices is particularly dire, with the median hitting $550 per week—a staggering 22 per cent increase over the past two years, as reported by the Queensland Residential Tenancies Authority.
The Greens have been vocal about this issue, suggesting that Queenslanders could have saved an average of $5,395 over two years if the government had implemented a rental cap back in 2022.
This figure is based on data showing the financial impact of the end-of-tenancy increases that renters have had to bear.
The total additional cost to renters due to the 22 per cent rise is estimated at around $3.3 billion.
The Greens proposed a two-year rental freeze which could save thousands for Queensland renters. Credits: Shutterstock
In some suburbs, the situation is even more pronounced. West End, for example, has seen median weekly rent prices nearly double, while Greenslopes and Lutwyche have experienced a one-third increase in costs.
Queensland Greens MP Amy MacMahon strongly advocated for renters, stating, 'Our new analysis shows that if Labor had supported my Bill for an emergency rent freeze, every Queensland renter household would have an extra $5,400 in their pockets today.'
The Greens are pushing for a two-year rental freeze and a one per cent cap on rental prices in the upcoming October election.
The state government has taken some steps to address the rental crisis, such as banning rental bidding, implementing a 12-month limit on rental increases tied to properties rather than tenancies, and introducing a portable bond scheme.
However, these measures were seen as insufficient by many, including Anglicare Australia, which argued that the government's initiatives fall short during a housing crisis.
‘While it’s good to see an end to rental bidding, this change doesn’t go far enough,’ Angelicare’s Executive Director Kasy Chambers said.
‘And changing how often landlords increase the rent doesn’t affect the size of the increases.’
The Anglicare Housing Report painted a grim picture, with only 0.5 per cent of available properties in Southern Queensland being affordable—less than 30 per cent of a person’s income—for households on welfare support, and less than 9 per cent affordable for residents on minimum wage.
The Gold Coast is bearing the brunt of these surging prices, with only 8 per cent of properties being affordable for a couple on minimum wage with two young children.
Chambers stated that it's time to enact laws to cap rental hikes, abolish no-cause evictions, and elevate the minimum standards for home livability.
She pointed out that ‘Limits on rent increases are widely used around the world and are already working in the ACT (Australian Capital Territory), which is the only part of the country where rent growth is slowing. '
‘There is no reason not to bring in limits for other states and territories.’
‘Governments must step in to protect renters,’ she added.
The call for legislation to cap rental increases and provide greater protection for renters comes at a critical time, as many Australians, particularly seniors, are feeling the pinch of rising housing costs.
These proposed changes aim to shield renters from unfair treatment and ensure that everyone has access to safe and affordable housing.
With new laws on the horizon, renters from another state can look forward to greater security and stability in the rental market, as outlined in the recent announcement highlighting game-changing regulations to protect tenants.
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