Close-up view of social inequality
DANNY Carney lives in rental accommodation in one of Hobart’s most affluent suburbs.
He says the stark difference in living standards between those benefiting from Tasmania’s better economic times and those locked out is more obvious than ever before.
“The gap between the haves and have-nots is undeniable. Here in Sandy Bay we are surrounded by old money ... and overcrowded student accommodation — there is no comparison between the two,” the 31-year-old said.
He earns just under $50,000 a year and classifies himself as a reasonably well off.
Mr Carney has earnt much less in the past and knows how tough things can get.
He says reading online sites where people look for places to live was testament to that.
“There are families in desperate need of rental accommodation, people getting rid of their animals just to have a roof over their head,” he said.
“The biggest pressure is housing. The rental crisis is an absolute social catastrophe, being exacerbated by poor government regulation and a celebratory culture surrounding rising house prices which benefits those already doing well but locks others out,” he said.
“For those without money to fall back on, home ownership is well and truly out of reach anywhere near Hobart.
“The assumption is that people will have a partner to share costs with, two healthy parents who are financially independent and will leave you a lump sum of money in the future, that people have stable jobs. This simply isn’t true.”
“Although my income is “below average”, it’s so much more than many people will ever realise. I am lucky to have what I consider a well paid job with the security of an ongoing contract. Many people have given up on even dreaming of such a thing.”