A new report released during 2025 Anti-Poverty Week last week has sharpened the focus on Australia’s widespread poverty and rental affordability crisis. The Poverty in Australia 2025: Overview report published by the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) found that 1 in 7 Australians lives in poverty. Additionally, 57 per cent of the lowest 20 per cent of earners face rental stress (spending more than 30% of their income on rent). This is an increase of 5 per cent since 2020–21. Students at the University of Wollongong (UOW) are among those affected by the rental affordability crisis, with some resorting…
Author: Lachlan Carpenter
University of Wollongong (UOW) students are urging the state government to deliver build-to-rent housing in Wollongong’s inner city, warning the region’s affordability crisis is locking them out of secure housing. It comes after NSW Premier Chris Minns on Sunday announced construction had begun on a $65 million ‘build-to-rent development’ in Bomaderry. The project will deliver 12 properties for households on very low to moderate incomes. UOW Young Labor Club President Noah Hardie said build-to-rent projects have a key role in addressing the housing affordability crisis for both current and graduated students. “Build-to-rent projects are important, and it’s great to see…
The Albanese government froze the indexation on draught beer last Monday, August 4, amidst rising costs for producers, pourers, and punters across Australia. The freeze comes after 84 successive bi-annual tax rises, most recently in February, with another set for earlier this month. Student Joe Ross-Ward celebrated the pause today at the University of Wollongong’s (UOW) UniBar with fellow pub-goers, appreciating the newly fixed tax. “I think bars and breweries have a good culture, and hopefully this means more breweries can open up… and stay open,” Mr Ross-Ward said. Despite this, he emphasised the current reform may see prices disproportionately…