QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator BARBARA POCOCK (South Australia) (14:18): My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Housing, Senator Ayres. Renting has never been less affordable in Australia, with rental stress at record highs. New data today tells us that 78 per cent of Australians back limits on rent increases.

People are in real pain, but Labor has done nothing for the one-third of Australians who rent. Too many households are just one rent increase away from eviction into homelessness. Median rents are now an incredible $717 a week.

Renters are crying out for help. Minister, how bad does it have to get before Labor takes the initiative to work with the states to cap rents?