Affordability
What does “housing stress” mean?
When more than 30% of household income goes to rent or mortgage.
Which Act makes racial discrimination unlawful?
Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth).
What is primary homelessness?
Rough sleeping, squats, parks.
What percentage of NSW households live in social housing?
4.7%.
Which tribunal hears tenancy disputes in NSW?
NCAT.
Name one government scheme that helps first-home buyers.
Home Guarantee Scheme (5% deposit, no LMI) OR Help to Buy Scheme
What does “quiet enjoyment” mean for tenants?
The right to use property without landlord interference.
Which group makes up 20.4% of homeless Australians?
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Name one group prioritised in the HAFF.
Women and children fleeing violence / low-income older women / Indigenous communities.
What does ADR stand for?
Alternative Dispute Resolution.
Why is negative gearing controversial?
It mainly benefits investors, increases house prices, and doesn’t expand supply (since 75% of lending is for existing housing).
Why is discrimination in rental markets difficult to prove?
Often hidden or informal; few paper trails.
Why was the NHHA considered ineffective?
Underfunded, poor collaboration, didn’t reduce demand.
What’s one major criticism of HAFF?
Too small in scale (30k homes vs 600k+ needed).
What is “gazumping”?
Seller accepts higher offer after agreeing to sell.
What is one criticism of the National Housing Accord?
Too slow to deliver; targets may not be met; only 2% mandatory affordable housing.
Case Study – Ms Power and her assistance dog. Why was eviction withdrawn?
Media exposure + Disability Discrimination protections.
What did the Productivity Commission 2022 report say about the NHHA?
“Ineffective,” lacked transparency, didn’t promote collaboration.
How has the proportion of social housing changed since the 1990s?
Declined from ~6% of housing stock to <4%.
What’s the difference between mediation and conciliation?
Mediation = neutral facilitator helps parties reach agreement; conciliation = conciliator actively suggests solutions.
Which reform would most directly help low-income renters in housing stress, and why?
Commonwealth Rent Assistance increase → directly reduces rent burden for vulnerable renters.
What does the 2018 MacDonald/UTS study reveal about housing discrimination?
Ethnic renters were 3–4 times less likely to be offered opportunities, showing laws exist but enforcement is weak.
Which age group had the largest proportion of homeless people in 2021, and why is this significant?
12–24 year olds (23%) → shows youth are highly vulnerable to housing insecurity.
Why has social housing construction declined since the mid-1990s?
Shift away from direct public investment → reliance on sales, demolitions, and minimal new builds.
What powers does NCAT have in tenancy disputes?
Can terminate tenancy, order repairs, decide bond disputes, award money, enforce privacy rights.