Anglicare Australia has released national heatmaps confirming that essential workers cannot afford to rent in almost any part of the country. Based on more than 51,000 rental listings, the maps test affordability against the wages of sixteen essential occupations. They show that even full-time workers in vital roles are being priced out.
“Essential workers keep our communities running, yet many can’t afford a place to live,” said Anglicare Australia Executive Director Kasy Chambers.
“These new maps show how few rentals are in reach for the workers we all rely on. With rents rising faster than wages, more aged care workers, nurses, cleaners, ambulance officers and hospitality workers are being pushed into severe housing stress or out of their communities entirely.
“These findings are alarming – but for many workers, they won’t be surprising.
“Shortages in care, health and emergency services are being made worse by the fact that workers cannot afford to live near their jobs. Our own services employ many of these workers, and we are seeing firsthand how hard it is for them to find secure, affordable homes.
“The private rental market is failing even people on average incomes. Building more general housing on its own is not enough. We need dedicated social and affordable homes for workers and families who need them most.
“We also need stronger protections for renters, including an end to no-cause evictions and limits on unfair rent increases. And we need tax reform that puts people in need of a home, not just investors, at the centre of our housing system.”
Ms Chambers said the new maps show the scale of change needed to fix the crisis.
“Every community relies on these workers. They should be able to live near their jobs, not be forced out by soaring rents. These maps are a call to action for governments to invest in real solutions.”
To explore rental affordability for essential workers in your area, visit www.anglicare.asn.au/heat-maps