Cuts to Rental Affordability Scheme will impact on older Australians

The Older Persons Affordable Housing Alliance is urging a deferral, not cuts, in the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS).

The Alliance – a partnership between Aged and Community Services Australia (ACSA) and the Council on the Ageing (COTA) – said the Government’s intention to cut 15,000 dwellings from the NRAS target of 50,000 would come at a high cost for older Australians.

Chief Executive of COTA Australia Ian Yates and Acting CEO of ACSA Pat Sparrow said NRAS was launched only four years ago to provide affordable housing options for those with limited means, including older people.

“We acknowledge the rebuilding in states affected by natural disasters must be a priority but should not exacerbate an already critical housing shortage,” they said.
“The Productivity Commission’s draft report – Caring for Older Australians – cited widespread concerns about insufficient housing, including rental options, to meet the needs of an ageing population.

“Last year the then Housing Minister urged all levels of government and industry to adopt a strategic approach to meet the needs of an increasing and ageing population.

“We believe a more strategic approach would be to defer the investment in the 15,000 outstanding dwellings until the Budget is returned to surplus in 2013.
“No one wins if these houses are cut from the program.”

The Alliance has written to the Prime Minister and the Housing Minister asking them to reconsider the decision.

ACSA Media contact: Chris Hornsey 0419 513 432
COTA - Ian Yates: 0418 835 439