Mr. Paul Ginnell:

Two members asked specific questions about rent certainty. The European Anti-Poverty Network supports the call by different homeless organisations for rent certainty. As Senator Hayden noted, our report refers to the heavy dependence on the private rental market to provide housing, especially for people who are on low incomes. The level of support provided to people under the rent supplement to pay for rent is causing many problems. As the Senator correctly pointed out, our report is slightly out of date as new statistics were published last weekend on the increase in homelessness. The housing organisations dealing with the homeless have clearly identified that people on low incomes who are in receipt of rent supplement are unable to afford rent and this is driving families into homelessness. This issue must be addressed.

I am aware that the Government is discussing the option of increasing rent supplement. However, this is being done on a discretionary basis. I understand, for example, that approximately 4,000 people have benefited from discretionary increases in the payment. A broader approach is needed because rent supplement levels are causing major difficulties for families. Rent certainty would definitely help address the issue.