Media Release - Index Rent Assistance In Line With Interest Rate Rises

Frank Quinlan, Executive Director of Catholic Social Services Australia, said interest rate rises should be matched by a corresponding increase in rent assistance for low income Australians forced to rent in the private rental market.

Mr Quinlan made the comment today as the Reserve Bank of Australia increased interest rates by a further quarter per cent which will inevitably lead to increased rents.  

"Governments can't control interest rates without having an adverse effect on the economy as a whole," Mr Quinlan said.

"But the Australian Government can control the assistance it gives to low income individuals and families through funding for public housing and rent assistance.

"Low income families are unlikely to own their own home and many do not get access to public housing.

"There is an increasingly vulnerable group of people who are exposed to the private rental market as public housing stock diminishes.

"Families are hurting and we see the results in our agencies.

"Many people are choosing between food, heating, and rent.

"This is unacceptable in such a buoyant economy. It has been said that we can judge our society by the manner in which it treats its most vulnerable citizens.

"In the absence of any real relief in the short term, urgent action is needed now to ensure children and families are not further disadvantaged.

Catholic Social Services Australia represents 64 member agencies which provide services to over a million Australians each year.                                                                                                                       

CONTACT                  Judith Tokley   02 6285 1366 / 0408 824 306