Housing News Digest
The Tenants' Union Housing News Digest compiles our pick of items from all the latest tenancy and housing media, sent once per week, on Thursdays.
Below is the Digest archive from November 2020 onwards. From time to time you will find additional items in the archive that did not make it into the weekly Digest email. Earlier archives are here, where you can also find additional digests by other organisations.
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Archive
Welcome to Barangaroo! We graciously provide affordable housing but you’re not allowed to enjoy it
First Dog on the Moon The Guardian (No paywall)Welcome to Barangaroo! We graciously provide affordable housing but you're not allowed to enjoy it. And please don't speak to any of the wealthy people. No sooking! If you wanted an apartment with a pool(s) you should have been a banking executive or some such.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/picture/2025/nov/10/we…
# Hot topic, Satire NSW, .The fiasco of public housing evictions
Tina Peinotto and Bevin Liu The Fifth Estate (No paywall)The fightback against the demolition and eviction of public housing tenants continues in Melbourne with a new film that chronicles the eviction of public tenants from Barak Beacon, a development with “sweeping bay views” just three kilometres from the CBD. The removal of tenants for new housing echoes a bitter fight to protect tenants at Sydney’s Millers Point nearly a decade ago, where homes were privatised. And it is now being replayed in Marrickville in Sydney’s inner west.
https://thefifthestate.com.au/housing-2/new-film-chronicles-the-…
# NSW, Eviction, Public and community housing.A rusty stove sees Corrimal renter win appeal over eviction from home of 11 years
Glen Humphries Illawarra Mercury (Paywall)In May this year the Civil and Administrative Tribunal ruled that tenant Ronald Archibald had to vacate the apartment owned by Cherry Agustin, where he had lived for 11 years. The ruling stated Mr Archibald's tenancy was terminated immediately and a daily rate of $48.57 be paid until the day vacant possession was given. Mr Archibald looked to challenge the eviction at the tribunal on the basis that it was retaliatory, alleging it was "as a consequence of the stance the tenant had taken in October 2024 about a rusty stove".
https://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/9108794/corrimal-tenan…
# NSW, Eviction, Repairs, Tribunal NCAT.Boiling every drop: families in the Kimberley still fighting for healthy homes
Natasha Clark National Indigenous Times (No paywall)In a remote Kimberley community, a mother describes how she must boil water before her children can drink it. "Good water, only for adults, not for babies. You have to boil it for babies and kids. And we have this problem, those drains, some are open," she says. Her voice is one of more than 200 heard in new research revealing how Aboriginal families across WA's Kimberley region still battle unsafe drinking water, broken plumbing and overcrowded homes - conditions which fuel preventable skin infections, respiratory illness and poor mental health.
https://nit.com.au/05-11-2025/21111/boiling-every-drop-families-…
# Must read Australia, Aboriginal renters, Rent.Opinion: Why a new bill to fix basic home efficiency should not be rejected by SA govt
Bernie Barrett InDaily (No paywall)For many South Australians, 2025 has been another year of juggling bills, cutting back, and worrying about what comes next. The rising cost of rent, food, and energy is putting immense strain on households across the state — and renters are bearing the brunt of it. This week, the government has the opportunity to address these cost-of-living pressures through reforms that improve the quality and efficiency of rental homes.
https://www.indailysa.com.au/news/opinion/2025/11/11/opinion-why…
# Must read Australia, Rent, Utilities water energy internet.WA government accused of offering 'disgusting' house littered with needles
Dunja Karagic and Ruby Littler ABC (No paywall)Having experienced homelessness for years, single mother of two Amelia Johnson says she was relieved when she secured a house in Western Australia's far north. But the relief quickly vanished when she visited the Forrest Street home assigned to her in October by the state's Department of Housing and Works in Broome, 2,000 kilometres north of Perth. "It was just shocking," Ms Johnson said. "The further I walked, the more disgusted I became."
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-11/community-housing-concern…
# Australia, Public and community housing, Rent, Repairs, Security and safety.While Australians feel the pressure to buy a home this Austrian city embraces lifelong renters
Isabella Higgins and Rhiannon Hobbins ABC (No paywall)Sally and Theo Messenger feel they might be part of a generation of lifelong renters. "I imagine that it's just going to become the reality, that so many less people can actually buy," Mr Messenger said. The couple has well-paid jobs, but with all their life expenses and two kids, they cannot get a deposit together. "We feel we can't be competitive in the [home ownership] market," he said. Both love their current rented property in suburban Perth and would be happy if they could have more security in their rental arrangement.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-08/forever-renters-want-solu…
# Australia, Rent.Australia’s rental homes are among our worst “glorified tents” – and renters are paying the price
Carol Valente The Fifth Estate (No paywall)When the cicadas start singing and the mercury climbs, most Australians brace for another summer of scorching days and restless nights. But for millions of Australians, the season also means stifling, inefficient homes that trap heat, drive up bills and endanger health. Yes, this is another article about Australian “glorified tents”. But we’re focusing here on the rental homes that bleed energy, money and wellbeing.
https://thefifthestate.com.au/columns/spinifex/australias-rental…
# Must read, Hot topic Australia, Rent, Utilities water energy internet.