Stop Labor’s rent rise

The Victorian Labor Government plans to increase rent for public housing tenants by taking more from the Family Tax Benefit. The amounts taken will rise from 11 to 15%. The rise is scheduled to begin in 2008.

According to calculations from the Victorian Council of Social Services, by the time the plan is fully implemented in 2011, the rise will be up to $20.79 for some families. This is how it will affect families:

The actual rise will depend on the family’s income but single parents will be hit with the full rate. (Source: Victorian Council of Social Services)

The rent rise is outrageous. As we have asked the Housing Minister, which part of the family budget does he expect should be cut to meet this rent rise?

The Greens oppose the rent rise, and believe that rents for public housing tenants must be reduced, not increased.

Adam Bandt, Greens candidate for Melbourne, is calling for the Commonwealth State Housing Agreement to be amended so that the amount of FTB taken for rent is capped at 11% then ultimately reduced to zero.

Let’s stop the rent rise before it begins in April 2008.

Click here to see how the Greens have been questioning the Housing Minister in parliament.

Click here to see the Greens’ housing policy.