News
3 November, 2024
Scarr calls for urgent housing fix
Queensland Senator Paul Scarr recently addressed the Senate on the significant rise in rental prices affecting the Somerset region, highlighting the financial strain on local residents.
“There has been much discussion about inflation and cost-of-living pressures in the Senate this week.
Since 2022, we’ve seen inflation soar, impacting everyday expenses,” he said.
Sen Scarr shared findings from research conducted by the Parliamentary Library, which illustrated substantial rent increases in the area.
In Somerset, the annual rent for a three-bedroom house has risen by $3,640, and for a four-bedroom house, by $6,760.
These increases are concerning, he said, as they affect after-tax income and pose a significant financial challenge for many families.
“For hard-working families in Somerset, these rising costs are a heavy burden,” he continued.
“This affordability crisis is touching every corner of the community—families are struggling to keep their homes, individuals are feeling the squeeze, and young people are finding it increasingly difficult to enter the rental market.”
Sen Scarr called for urgent action to address the housing affordability issues.
