The ACT government has agreed in-principle to resurrect the Rent Relief Fund, which provided up to $2,500 to renters in financial stress, following negotiations with the ACT Greens. The scheme was discontinued in July, but budget talks have led to a commitment to establish a replacement program.
The exact details of the revived scheme remain unclear, as the government says it will first seek advice from directorates and continue engaging with the community services sector. A government spokesperson stated that the scheme's details will be announced after the government considers the advice.
Canberra mother Kylie Johnson, a former business owner, said the Rent Relief Fund was a lifeline during her financial hardship and health setbacks. She recalled receiving an eviction notice and being forced to sell assets and rehome her dogs before the fund provided a reprieve. 'I would be living in my car now [without it],' she said.
The previous scheme, delivered by Care Financial, cost the budget about $1.7 million annually. Applicants had to demonstrate rental stress or severe financial hardship, meet income limits, and have lived in the property for at least three months. Nearly 1,700 recipients benefited from almost 3,000 applications.
ACT Greens Leader Shane Rattenbury criticized the government's initial decision to cut the fund, calling it 'extremely short-sighted.' Ms Johnson expressed hope that the new scheme would provide a similar lifeline, emphasizing the importance of keeping people in their homes and preventing homelessness.
