Housing News Digest
Housing News Digest
The Tenants' Union Housing News Digest compiles our pick of items from all the latest tenancy and housing media, sent once per week, on Thursdays.
Below is the Digest archive from November 2020 onwards. From time to time you will find additional items in the archive that did not make it into the weekly Digest email. Earlier archives are here, where you can also find additional digests by other organisations.
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Archive
Rental crisis fears for international students as they return to Sydney
Christopher Harris The Sydney Morning Herald (Paywall)A housing affordability crisis is looming for international students, according to a property expert, who has called on universities to do more to help foreign nationals find accommodation while they study in Australia.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/rental-crisis-fears-for-inte…
# Hot topic, TUNSW in the media NSW, Boarders and lodgers, Rent, Share houses, Housing market, Students, Sydney, Young people.Leong calls for Redfern development to retain 100% public housing
Erin Modaro City Hub (No paywall)A development on government owned land in Redfern has drawn criticism from housing advocates, including Greens MP for Newtown and housing spokesperson Jenny Leong. The rectangular block at 600 Elizabeth Street, just across from Redfern Oval, has stood empty for years since 18 public housing dwellings were demolished in 2013. The NSW government announced tender was granted to Bridge Housing and national infrastructure group Capella Capital to develop 300 new mixed housing units at the site, one third of which will be allocated for social housing. The development is due for completion in 2028.
https://cityhubsydney.com.au/2023/01/leong-calls-for-redfern-dev…
# NSW, Public and community housing, Estate renewal, History, Home, State Government, Sydney.Homelessness is highlighted with body paint during public art display featuring AFLW star Erin Phillips
Daniel Keane ABC (No paywall)AFLW player Erin Phillips is no stranger to silverware, but has donned gold for a cause that is very different to the on-field exploits she is renowned for.
The former-Crow-turned-Port Adelaide player was among seven prominent South Australians who gathered at the centre of Adelaide's main shopping strip to draw attention to the ongoing prevalence of homelessness.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-01-28/aflw-erin-phillips-highli…
# Must read, New policy announcement Australia, Campaigns and law reform, Homelessness.Domestic violence victims considered first home buyers in new scheme
Alexandra Smith The Sydney Morning Herald (Paywall)Domestic violence victims would be classed as first home buyers even if they have already owned property with an ex-partner under a re-elected NSW Coalition government. Victims could also access interest-free loans for a bond to secure a rental property without having to meet eligibility criteria, as the government and Labor continue their run of announcements relating to women’s issues ahead of the March 25 poll.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/domestic-violence-victims-co…
# Hot topic, New policy announcement NSW, Domestic violence, Home, Home ownership, State Government, Women.Domestic violence victims can be first home buyers again in new election promise
Kate McIlwain Illawarra Mercury (Paywall)Both major parties are focusing on domestic violence ahead of the March state election, releasing multiple policies designed to help victim-survivors. On Saturday, the government said, if reelected, it would provide victim-survivors of domestic violence with access to first home buyer support and interest-free rental bond loans to help them rebuild their lives.
https://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/8064370/people-have-re…
# Hot topic NSW, Domestic violence, Rent, Security and safety, Home, Home ownership, State Government, Women.Photography through a renter's lens
Jessie Kay 2SER (No paywall)Amid cost of living and housing prices skyrocketing – and the odd natural disaster – Tenant’s Union NSW held a photography competition for renters. The goal was to see housing through the lens of those of us who rent. Tuesday Daily’s host Jessie Kay was joined by Leo Patterson Ross, Tenants' Union CEO, to discuss. An exhibition will be held for the entries on March 9th, so keep your eyes peeled for details!
# TUNSW in the media, Audio NSW, Rent, Home, Renting culture, Strong communities, Students, Young people.Tanay slept on a couch for months. Some of his peers faced even worse
Kate Burke Domain (No paywall)International students in Australia have been forced to skip meals and go without other necessities to afford rent, while others have had passports confiscated by unscrupulous landlords and faced threats of visa cancellations. One in four international students were in a highly or extremely precarious financial situation even before the pandemic and current rental crisis, a recent study shows, and it is feared the situation could worsen as international students flock back to Australia this year.
https://www.watoday.com.au/property/news/tanay-slept-on-a-couch-…
# Hot topic NSW, Boarders and lodgers, Rent, Share houses, Coronavirus COVID-19, Granny flats, studios, International, Personal stories, Students, Young people.Can rent-to-own schemes help in the housing crisis?
Radio National ABC (No paywall)Rent-to-own, or rent-to-buy schemes have a shady history, but a new wave of schemes are promising access and stability for people struggling to save for a home. So has anything changed? We look at when to be wary. Guests: Dr Chris Martin, Senior Research Fellow, UNSW City Futures Research Centre, Leo Patterson Ross, Chief Executive Officer, Tenants Union NSW, Kris Daff, Managing Director, Assemble Futures
https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/lifematters/can-re…
# TUNSW in the media, Audio NSW, Home ownership, Rent to buy.