Media Release by The Hon Tanya Pibersek MP

Federal and State Governments deliver more affordable rental housing in WA

Tanya Plibersek, today spoke at an information session on the National Rental Affordability Scheme in Perth and visited local community housing provider Foundation Housing to highlight the benefits of the new Scheme.

The Scheme is a joint initiative with the Western Australian Government to increase the supply of affordable rental housing in this State.

Ms Plibersek said: “With rents going up so quickly, it is tougher than ever for low and moderate income earners to find affordable rental housing for themselves and their families.

“The Federal Government is investing $6,000 per property per year for every new affordable rental property built. The WA State Government has agreed to contribute a further $2,000 per dwelling on top of that.

“These homes will be rented out at 20 per cent below market rates, which means that an eligible renter in Perth who pays the market rate of $350 per week will have their rent reduced to $280 per week under the new Scheme.

“This will help key workers in childcare, retail, nursing, transport and hospitality to find affordable housing in areas where their skills are needed.”

Community housing providers, like Foundation Housing, have a key role to play in increasing the supply of affordable rental housing.

The organisation provides homes for close to 700 families and individuals in the Perth metropolitan area and they are now establishing a presence in the Kimberley and Pilbara.

Representatives of financial institutions, developers and land holders, local governments, not for profit housing groups and property managers have attended information sessions on the National Rental Affordability Scheme across Australia.

The sessions provide an opportunity for potential investors and developers to find out about the new Scheme.

The sessions also introduce partnership facilitators, such as MacroPlan WA, who will help connect interested organisations seeking partners.

For further information, visit National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS).