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A remarkable day at Everybody’s Home Peoples Commission. Consistent evidence that the private rental sector is unaffordable, doesn’t provide security of tenure and rent increases are out of control. Participants told of despair, shame, hopelessness at being unable to afford rent.

Rental, housing costs: Housing crisis commission hears from youth. More on the problem facing young Australians! news.com.au/finance/econom…

Day two of the People’s Commission continues to illuminate the harsh reality of unaffordable and unstable housing. This widespread issue, with its devastating consequences, is among the most pressing challenges we confront today. Let’s stand together for change.

Next week, join us for a webinar with Purplepingers ☭ & Maiy Azize with Matt Grudnoff, on how Australia created a housing crisis and what we can do to fix it. Tuesday 4th June, 11AM AEST. Free, RSVP here: australiainstitute.org.au/event/how-aust… #auspol

Less than an hour left to register! Join me and Purplepingers ☭ with Matt Grudnoff to talk about why housing is in crisis and how we can get out.

Folks, there is a deeply embarrassing mistake here on my part. Asking rents were $410 in January 2020. They're $624 today. That's an increase of 52%. Still insanely high, but not an increase of 75%.

Landlords will take any excuse to push up rents. That's why we need rent caps alongside rental standards. People should be able to expect decent rental homes AND protection from unlimited rent increases. One without the other is a job unfinished. news.com.au/finance/real-e…

Not only that, but the RC final report had a sealed section of allegations against individuals- kept sealed so as not to jeopardise further proceedings or prosecutions. What’s happened to that? Not investigated, kept sealed. What an abuse of process. abc.net.au/news/2023-11-1…

Horrible decision and one that will undermine trust in the NACC. Failing to hold anyone accountable for this sends the message that institutions exist to protect the powerful, not help people who need it. Victims and their families must be livid.

Robodebt wasn’t just designed to target the people caught up in it (although there were plenty of them). Policies like these exist to send the message that all people on welfare are cheats who can’t be trusted. This WILL keep happening.

Where’s the lie.

A final thought on #robodebt and NACCgovau before I log off for the night. Every single institution and official process has failed people on welfare, from the RC which had its most important recommendation ignored through to the class action disappointment. Every single one.

The NACC concludes its media release with an assertion that it will make no further comment on abandoning its investigation of the Robodebt perpetrators. This is an arrogant and ignominious statement and undermines accountability and public confidence. nacc.gov.au/news-and-media…

So many friends, colleagues and even distant acquaintances have been in touch to ask if my family in Lebanon is okay. I’m touched by everyone’s concern. This is just an update to say thanks, and that noone in my family is directly affected. I’m so sad for everyone who has been.

If you’re in Brisbane next weekend, make sure you come to the #PeopleAgainstPoverty Summit. I’m excited to spend time with amazing friends and activists who always challenge me to do better (and escape the Canberra cold!)

When hiking, your chances of being killed by birds are small but never zero. Lovely sunset though.