New research into the ongoing housing and cost of living crisis reveals nearly 1 in 7 Australians (14 per cent) can’t afford essentials for living comfortably at home.
The research conducted by local charity Good360 Australia, also found 1 in 5 know someone who can’t afford these essential home items and nearly a quarter (23 per cent) are concerned about the living situation of a friend or family member.
It comes as discretionary spending softens across key retail categories, including fashion and footwear, with the Australian Bureau of Statistics reporting sales falls in March 2024 for fashion, department stores and household goods categories.
Good360's new research also reveals over a third of Australians (36 per cent) are worried about the proportion of their family’s income going to housing costs such as rent or mortgage payments and 30 per cent would accept new, unsold home items from a charity.
Generation Y and women are doing it particularly tough, the research showed, with those aged 35-44 more likely to say they can’t afford home essentials or know someone who can’t, with women more likely to be worried about housing costs.
Good360 Australia founder and managing director Alison Covington said the research highlights the ongoing and broad impacts of the silent cost of living crisis.
“The cost of living crisis is now literally hitting home for millions of Australians,” Covington said. “We know people need more than a roof over their head to lead a dignified life, and our research shows millions of people are now struggling to afford the essentials such as bedding, appliances, cutlery and cooking utensils.
“Compared to COVID or a natural disaster, the direct impacts of the ongoing housing and cost of living crisis may be less visible, but they are no less real or stressful for people struggling to get by. Everyday Australians are doing it really tough right now and need more support.”
Covington added there is a major lack of government funding for charities that provide non-food aid essentials go people in need.
“With our research suggesting nearly a third of people are willing to accept household items from charities, it’s time for governments to step in and support charities that are helping Australians in their time of need.”
The research comes amid a surge in community demand for non-food aid. Good360, which redirects new, unsold essential goods to people in need, has already distributed over $15.3 million worth of essential items in 2024.
According to Good360, estimates show that $2.5 billion of unsold household goods are unnecessarily wasted each year, with the new research also highlighting nearly half (43 per cent) of Australians believe that retailers should donate to charity rather than letting items go to waste.
“Retailers have a huge opportunity to do good in the community,” Covington said. “By working together, we can help millions of Aussies in need while also redirecting thousands of tonnes of goods that may otherwise go to waste.”
According to the research, South Australians are doing it tougher than other Australians, with South Australians more likely to say they can’t afford home essentials (20 per cent vs 14 per cent nationally) and to be concerned about the proportion of their income going to housing costs (45 per cent vs 36 per cent nationally).