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Australia News Update: ; **
has expressed his disapproval of
Donald Trump, stating that he would not support the Republican candidate due to Trump's denial of the election results, which he believes is incompatible with democratic values.
In other news, the Albanese government has implemented a 10% increase in starting today. However, welfare advocates are cautioning that this increase will have minimal impact amid the ongoing housing crisis.
The adjustments to rent assistance, which vary based on individual circumstances, will see single recipients at the maximum rate receive an additional $23 per fortnight, while families with one or two children will see an increase of $27.02. Advocates argue that these amounts are insignificant compared to the rising rental costs, with average rents increasing by over $100.
One advocate highlighted the disparity, stating, "Rent assistance went up by $25, and average rents have gone up by more than $100. What might look like a big percentage increase is, frankly, negligible, and that’s one of the reasons that this is so upsetting."
Additionally, the indexing of means that the threshold for qualifying for assistance also rises, potentially reducing the proportion of rent covered for those not receiving the maximum payment.
Recent statistics reveal that annual rents have surged by 13.3% statewide, with Melbourne experiencing a 14.6% increase. The public housing waiting list has reached 61,587, and the number of individuals receiving support from in Victoria has risen from 30,510 in July 2017 to 32,496 in June 2024. Notably, the number of people accessing these services due to housing stress has remained above 10,000 each month since January 2023.
Currently, social housing constitutes just 2.8% of Victoria’s total housing stock, the lowest percentage in Australia. Critics argue that conditions for those on the brink of homelessness have worsened since the government announced its last year.
Question 1: What did former Prime Minister John Howard say about Donald Trump?
John Howard stated that he would not vote for Donald Trump because he believes Trump is "not compatible with democracy" due to his election denials.
Question 2: What changes are being made to Commonwealth Rent Assistance starting today?
The Albanese government is implementing a 10% increase to Commonwealth Rent Assistance, which will provide single recipients an extra $23 per fortnight and families with one or two children an extra $27.02.
Question 3: Why do welfare advocates criticize the increase in rent assistance?
Welfare advocates argue that the increase is insufficient given the significant rise in average rents, which have gone up by more than $100, making the assistance appear minimal in comparison.
Question 4: What is the current state of public housing in Victoria?
The public housing waiting list in Victoria has reached 61,587, and the proportion of social housing in the total housing stock is just 2.8%, the lowest in Australia.
Question 5: How has the demand for homelessness services changed in Victoria?
The number of people accessing Specialist Homelessness Services in Victoria has increased, with over 10,000 individuals seeking help due to housing stress every month since January 2023.