Media release

03 March 2023

The NSW Coalition’s commitment to protections for renters are welcome but will not address the escalating housing crisis, the Community Housing Industry Association NSW (CHIA NSW) says.

“New figures released today reveal that there is a rental vacancy rate of 0.9 per cent in NSW. This clearly shows there are not enough affordable rentals available in our state,” said Mark Degotardi, CEO of CHIA NSW.

“Today’s commitment by Premier Perrottet to introduce protections for renters is welcome, but it will do nothing to address the shortage of affordable homes,” said Mr Degotardi.

“These sorts of initiatives provide support for those who have a rental home, but how does the NSW Government plan on supporting those who are either living in housing stress or are facing homelessness, when there is nowhere for them to go?”

“There are almost 58,000 families and individuals on the social housing waitlist in NSW, and many are waiting more than 10 years for a home.

“We are facing an escalating housing crisis, and while it’s a positive to see that renters will have some level of protections, nothing will change without real, long-term investment in social and affordable housing,” said Mr Degotardi. 

Media contact: Kayla Foster, 0447 040 029