WA Rent Relief Program
86. Mrs Michelle Maynard to the Minister for Commerce:
I refer to the Cook Labor government's hugely successful WA Rent Relief Program.
(1) Can the minister update the house on how this program is delivering millions of dollars in cost-of-living support for WA families?
(2) Can the minister advise the house how the program is being received by the Western Australian community?
Dr Tony Buti replied:
(1)–(2) Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. I thank the member for Swan Hills for the question and her strong advocacy for families in her electorate. Congratulations on an outstanding inaugural speech. Can I also congratulate all new members on both sides of the chamber who have done their inaugural speech. We have a few more to go that we look forward to hearing when we come back in a couple of weeks.
In regard to this very important question from the member for Swan Hills, this is a very powerful example of the Cook Labor government's delivery of targeted, meaningful cost-of-living support. This is the WA Rent Relief Program, which is a $24.4 million initiative that was launched in November 2023. It has been a lifeline for families experiencing rental distress and the risk of eviction. It provides up to $5,000 per household to help cover rental arrears and stabilise tenancies. But the strength of this program lies in not just financial relief or assistance, but also a very strong partnership with Anglicare WA and Vinnies WA, who also help with counselling, financial counselling and tenancy support, helping to build long-term housing security.
I am pleased to inform the member for Swan Hills and also the house that the program has now passed a major milestone. Over $11 million in rent relief grants have been delivered, helping more than 2,480 households. That is an average of $4,285 per household and more than 1,000 children have been able to remain safely with their families. That is absolutely outstanding. Of the recipients, 35% live in the Perth metropolitan area and the balance, 25%, are in the regional areas of Western Australia. The program also supports a significant number of single parent families, in which 65% of recipients are women, and over half of them are single mothers. Among male recipients, one in five are single fathers. The response from the community has been incredibly positive. An independent evaluation by the Centre for Social Impact at the University of Western Australia found that 85% of tenants remain in their home for six months after receiving support, and that is absolutely fantastic. Those who move on were able to find new, more affordable housing. Beyond just keeping people in their homes, the program is improving mental health, reducing stress and anxiety and giving people back a sense of stability and control in their lives. This is an effective, compassionate government that looks after people. We are providing practical actions, real outcomes and programs that meet people where they need to be met. The Western Australian Rent Relief Program is another clear demonstration of the Cook Labor government's commitment to easing cost-of-living pressures and backing in Western Australians when they need it most. Thank you.
Visitors
The Speaker: Before I give the call to the member for Central Wheatbelt, I would like to welcome and acknowledge the former member for Nedlands, Hon Bill Marmion in the Speaker's gallery there. Welcome back, Bill. It is great to see you.
