A new report, 2026 Priced Out by Everybody’s Home, shows rents in Australian capital cities now consume more than half of median take-home pay, with rents at 56% of a $74,100 median income and about $614 per week nationwide.

Rents in regional Western Australia, especially the north, can swallow nearly all disposable income for lower to mid-range salaries, with some cases approaching 99% of earnings.

Capital cities are under heavy pressure, notably Sydney and Melbourne, with Brisbane and Perth also strained and regional areas increasingly unaffordable.

The union calls on government to set a public housing target to lift construction from 1 in 50 to 1 in 10, aiming to restore Hawke-era construction levels.

The article closes with plans for ongoing policy developments, signaling more to come on this push.

The push aligns with ACTU proposals to expand home ownership access and reforms to capital gains tax and negative gearing outlined in the federal budget.

If adopted, these measures could increase public housing and ease pressure on the private rental market, reshaping Australia’s housing landscape.

Opposition figures criticize the government, arguing policies contribute to higher rents, while the government says reforms will reduce costs long-term by boosting supply.

Maiy Azize of Everybody’s Home criticizes decades of underinvestment in public and community housing and argues for large-scale federal building of affordable homes.

Experts warn the core issue is insufficient housing supply, balancing landlord supply with first-home buyers.

ACTU and housing groups push for stronger tenant protections, including two-year leases and a larger share of new public housing, arguing millions of workers are affected.

The plan includes protections against unfair evictions and rent gouging, while allowing shorter leases by agreement.