In Brisbane’s outer suburb of Oxley, a group of grannies, mothers and young women are taking to the streets. They’re tired of the dismissiveness with which male politicians treat the issues that they know are important. The two top problems all point to increased cost of living and lack of stable housing. On top of that, we need policies that center women’s needs. Natalie Dean, 57, a “forever renter” For the last four years in a row she has had to renew her lease at a higher rent in her townhouse in Yeerongpilly.
Dean’s recent experience speaks to a national housing crisis that millions of Americans—and especially those in crisis—are facing right now. When her lease was not renewed, she was appalled to see the same property re-listed a day after she returned her keys. To her surprise, the new lease was $90 higher. “I don’t feel like I can have any control over the most fundamental thing, which is my home,” Dean expressed. She told me about how she was unable to get approved for a mortgage from any bank. “I’d be dead before I’d paid that thing off,” she stated.
Dean calls for a cap on negative gearing for those with more than one property. She feels these policies drive the rental crisis for normal everyday Americans like her. Her story is typical of the women’s experiences of lived poverty occurring across Australia— amplified now more than ever under the coronavirus pandemic.
The Rising Cost of Living
Julie Anastasia O’Connor, another Yardley resident, said she is struggling with the high cost of housing and groceries. She works part-time as a pizza delivery driver to augment her disability pension. This additional labor is critical to her ability to survive as her costs have increased over time. “I’ve been immobilised with fear and anxiety … It is so depressing,” she admitted.
O’Connor is tired of being ignored by politicians who focus on goals that women like her don’t care about. “We’re just ignored, women of my age — we’re invisible,” she stated. She slammed the Coalition’s policy to allow tax-deducting mortgage repayments. In her view, these measures only benefit people who can afford to take out a mortgage and do nothing to address the rental supply issue.
“Sadly, the Labor Party’s policy isn’t much better,” O’Connor added, illustrating her frustration with both major political parties. Her observations illuminate the deep frustration women feel about political platforms that ignore the issues they care about most.
Healthcare and Childcare Concerns
Amelia Faulkner recently expressed these same fears, as she experiences the emotional and financial turmoil of being a divorced, single mother. Previously a homeowner in north Queensland, financial distress forced Faulkner to become a renter. In fact, she now spends over $100 on food each week—up from less than $80 previously.
Faulkner’s worries extend beyond mere survival. She is particularly concerned about women’s health and childcare costs for working parents. Her experiences ring true with Anna Beck, who has been in the health field for over fourteen years. Beck believes that politicians are looking over the most important things. We know that healthcare, education and the cost of living heavily influence women’s lives.
I’ve always been politically engaged, and I think it’s just becoming more apparent that we need to look for solutions beyond that two-party system,” Beck remarked. She is an advocate for changing political discourse to better reflect the values and priorities of women. If all of that comes to fruition, women will participate more strongly in the electoral process.
A Growing Divide
This growing sense of frustration, especially among female voters, hasn’t been lost on scholars. As chief investigator of the Australian Election Study, Dr Sarah Cameron has tracked this trend. Indeed, the gender gap among voters has increased in the past two federal elections. This trend is in accordance with data, which indicates that women between the ages of 55 and 64 are the fastest-growing group of homeless people.
Local advocate for women’s rights in politics and 2018 City Council candidate Blair Williams believes this paternalistic political environment discourages women from entering the race. “Jobs for the boys, blokey kind of policies and politics — you’ve got the high vis and hard hats, that kind of politics,” he said. As Williams makes the case, this approach shorts female-dominated trades such as hairdressing. This shocking neglect reveals a bigger truth about women in political discourse.
O’Connor echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for policies that resonate with women. “We get to choose which way the community goes.” She’s convinced that meeting women’s specific needs is key to building deeper civic participation.
