ACTU proposes two-year rental leases and public housing boost

The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) has launched a campaign to address the national housing crisis by proposing significant reforms to rental security and public housing. A central pillar of the proposal is the introduction of a new national standard that would require landlords to offer a default minimum of two-year rental leases, though tenants would remain free to opt for shorter terms.

In addition to lease extensions, the ACTU is calling for a massive increase in public housing construction. The union seeks to raise the proportion of new homes designated as public housing from one in 50 to one in 10, aiming to eventually increase the total public housing stock to at least 6 per cent of Australia’s total housing.

ACTU President Michele O’Neil emphasized that the measures are intended to provide stability for millions of workers facing rent hikes and housing uncertainty. The union is also advocating for stronger protections against unfair evictions and rent gouging, as well as the establishment of a national rental regulator.