The following residents of the ACT draw the attention of the Assembly to the ongoing need for the Rent Relief Fund as a carefully targeted, means tested, and highly effective source of cost-of-living relief and housing support for the most vulnerable people within our community.
The Rent Relief Fund was a lifeline for vulnerable ACT residents, providing grants of up to 4 weeks rent (up to $2,500) to households experiencing rental stress or severe financial hardship.
Since its launch in April 2023, the fund provided over 1,500 grants (an average of two grants per day) at a modest annual cost of $1.7 million. Despite proven impact and ongoing need, the scheme was permanently closed on 4 July 2025. Data shows that the ACT is one of, if not the most unaffordable private rental markets for low-income households.
The ACT has the highest rate of rental stress among Commonwealth Rent Assistance recipients, with over half paying more than 30% of their income on rent and over a quarter paying more than 50% of their income on rent. Additionally, there is a shortfall of 5,400 social and affordable dwellings, and public housing wait times exceed five years. The Rent Relief Fund has played a critical role in helping vulnerable ACT residents keep a roof over their heads.
Your petitioners, therefore, request the Assembly to call on the ACT Government to reinstate the Rent Relief Fund through the provision of funding in the 2025-26 ACT Budget, and to commit to its continuation for as long as there is evidence that it is needed to support the most vulnerable people in our community to keep a roof over their heads.