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Australia’s union movement is pushing the Federal Government to introduce a national two-year rental standard, and for one in 10 new homes to be dedicated to public housing.

Having already won major reforms to make our tax system fairer when it comes to housing, unions – including the FSU – are now putting renters’ rights in the spotlight.

These new reforms were announced at a housing summit in Canberra this month, which was hosted by the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU). The new national tenancy standard of two years aims to give renters greater stability, make it easier to plan ahead, and reduce the financial pressures of having to repeatedly move homes.

Under the proposal, landlords would be required to offer at least two years of housing security as the default standard, with renters still free to choose shorter leases.

Australia currently has no national minimum legal lease term, with minimum terms varying from state to state. That’s despite many countries around the world requiring minimum leases of multiple years, including Japan and numerous European countries.

The ACTU’s plan also includes stronger protections against unfair evictions and rent gouging.

FSU member Jimmy Whitfield attended the summit and spoke about the pressure many finance workers face when it comes to renting.

“Renters are scared to complain about issues about their properties, which can leave lasting consequences to your health, like black mould or poor insulation,” said Jimmy.

“We need serious protections to make sure our renters are safe […] and have a secure place to live that isn't going to be taken out from under them when they’re forced to pay hundreds more per week.”

Federal Housing Minister Clare O’Neil, who attended the housing summit, welcomed the ACTU’s proposals and said they would be considered by the government.

The FSU supports this union-wide push to strengthen renters’ rights and will have more to say as the campaign ramps up in the future.