Independent MLA Thomas Emerson is backing calls for the ACT Government to extend its Rent Relief Fund into 2025-26 as part of next week’s Budget.

Mr Emerson asked the Attorney-General about the future of the program during Question Time in April (transcript here), having learned of the Government’s apparent plans to scrap the Rent Relief Fund earlier this year. He said there was still time for the Government to do the right thing and extend the program.

“I was appalled to hear whispers back in April that the Government had already decided to scrap the Rent Relief Fund,” said Mr Emerson.

"Discontinuing this program is short-sighted and morally questionable.

“Governments have a moral obligation to ensure their citizens have access to the basic necessities of life, like food and shelter. Short of the systemic reform that’s really needed to fulfil that obligation, programs like the ACT Rent Relief Fund are required to help plug the gaps.

“The cost-of-living crisis isn’t a temporary annoyance for lower-income Canberrans; it’s destroying their quality of life.

"People struggling to pay rent should not be the ones forced to foot the bill for the government’s budget problems.

“Cutting costs by withdrawing crisis support will only increase costs downstream, exerting further pressure on already-drowning housing and homelessness services.

“Extending the Rent Relief Fund is the right thing to do, both morally and economically.”