The Western Australian Government has announced a six-month extension of its emergency rent relief program, a move that comes just days after a national report declared Perth the most unaffordable capital city for tenants in the country.
Program Extended Amid Affordability Crisis
Commerce Minister Tony Buti told State Parliament that the $5000 grants, which were scheduled to end on December 31, will now continue until the end of June next year. The program is designed to help tenants clear rental arrears and avoid eviction.
"This means that more tenants can clear rental arrears, meet future costs and achieve long term housing stability," Mr Buti said on Tuesday.
Since its launch in November 2023, the initiative has distributed nearly $16 million to almost 3700 households. The average payment has been $4,345 per household.
Data shows that three-quarters of the recipients live in the Perth metropolitan area, with the remaining quarter based in regional Western Australia. Almost half of the households assisted are families or single parents with children.
Political Clash Over Housing Record
The extension follows intense political debate, with the Opposition seizing on the latest National Shelter housing affordability index. The report found that median rents in Perth now consume 32 per cent of the average household's income, making it the least affordable capital city for renters.
Opposition leader Basil Zempilas labelled Perth's situation an "all-out housing emergency" and called it the state's "great collective shame." He accused the Labor government of blaming population growth and the previous Barnett Government for its own "appalling" record.
In a heated exchange, Mr Buti fired back, stating, "Who we're blaming is the Opposition," and accused the Liberals of blocking measures to increase housing supply. "They come into this house and feign concern for renters," he said.
The Minister also noted the Opposition did not support the rent relief program when it was first introduced, despite now calling for its extension.
Broader Housing Policy Debate
The debate widened during Question Time, with Housing Minister John Carey accusing Shadow Treasurer Sandra Brewer of hypocrisy. He claimed she had condemned infill development plans around train stations that she previously supported in her former role as head of the Property Council.
"That side of politics has lost the confidence of the housing construction sector," Minister Carey asserted.
The government's decision to extend the financial support provides immediate relief for struggling tenants but underscores the deepening housing affordability challenge facing Western Australia. With the program now set to run for an additional six months, attention will turn to what longer-term solutions both sides of politics propose to address the root causes of the crisis.
