The latest Rental Affordability Index, released today, is bleak news for renters and home buyers. It reports Sydney is the most unaffordable city for renters, and Melbourne’s rental affordability is decreasing. 

“In Sydney, average renting households need to spend nearly 28 per cent of their total income on rent. This is unacceptable,” Greens spokesperson for housing Senator Rhiannon said. 

“Taxing empty homes could be one feature of a whole suite of measures to tackle this country’s housing affordability crisis, including negative gearing and capital gains tax changes.

The Turnbull government’s decision to let an inquiry into housing lapse is the latest example of the Coalition avoiding putting the spotlight on the need for real reform, Greens housing spokesperson Senator Lee Rhiannon said.

When parliament resumes the Greens will put a motion to the Senate calling on the Turnbull government to complete the inquiry.

“On the next sitting day in Parliament I will put a motion to the Senate calling on the Turnbull government to complete this inquiry,” Senator Rhiannon said. 

Senator RHIANNON (New South Wales) (20:38): New South Wales Premier, Mike Baird, was once a very popular politician. 'Teflon Mike' and 'Mr Untouchable' were nicknames that reflected his sky-high popularity and perceived ability to dodge scandals. Many will point to the greyhound racing ban as the tipping point in Mr Baird's popularity drop.

Senator RHIANNON (New South Wales) (15:58): I, and also on behalf of Senator Cameron, move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that:

   (i) Australian dwellings increased in price by 10 per cent in 2015-16, indicating a clear national housing affordability crisis, with Sydney prices increasing by 13 per cent and Melbourne by 13.9 per cent, and