QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator BARBARA POCOCK (South Australia) (14:20): My question is for the Minister representing the Minister for Housing, Senator Ayres. This morning at the ACTU's launch of its housing crisis plan, I heard from Lou, a nurse of 52 years, now 69, who walked away from her violent marriage with nothing. She was stalked as she slept on couches, in cars and in caravans.

She's had to move further and further away from her family in Sydney, trying to find secure housing. She now pays rent that is worth more than half the pension and rent assistance combined. Rents are rising so much faster than Lou's wage.

This morning she said: 'I'm unable to see a future. I feel broken and without hope.' This is a highly skilled, essential union worker who serves us every day. Your government has taken no action on the rental crisis by, for example, freezing or capping rents.

What do you say to Lou, whose next rent increase may well put her back in her car?