About the Guest:

Rob Stokes is the Group Executive of Housing at Anglicare Sydney. With a distinguished background as a former Member of Parliament in New South Wales, Rob has transitioned to focus on housing affordability and social welfare. At Anglicare, he oversees initiatives aimed at addressing the housing crisis in Sydney and beyond. His efforts emphasize the importance of governmental policy changes to support housing affordability.

Episode Summary:

Australia's rental crisis is hitting hard — and the numbers don't lie. Ben McEachen sits down with Rob Stokes, Group Executive of Housing at Anglicare Sydney, to unpack the findings of their 16th Annual Rental Affordability Snapshot. If you're renting, know someone who is, or simply care about where this country is headed, this one's worth your time. Rob puts it plainly: housing collapse leads to social collapse. So what needs to change — and who's responsible? Practical, confronting, and deeply relevant for everyday Australians navigating the real cost of keeping a roof over their heads.

Key Takeaways:

• The 2026 Anglicare Sydney Rental Affordability Snapshot reveals catastrophic levels of rental unaffordability post-pandemic, with availability dropping by 86%.
• Single individuals on minimum wage have drastically limited affordable housing options, with just three properties across Greater Sydney meeting affordability criteria.
• Vulnerable populations, such as those on income support or single parents with children, are facing even harsher conditions in the rental market.
• Rob Stokes advocates for governmental action and progressive tax policies to reallocate funds towards housing solutions.
• The conversation highlights the importance of community and governmental support to avert a broader social collapse due to unmet housing needs.

Notable Quotes:

• "Statistics provide a very, very bleak picture this year." - Rob Stokes
• "Once you've got a housing collapse, it's not long before you end up with a broader social collapse." - Rob Stokes
• "We've gone from housing crisis to housing catastrophe." - Rob Stokes
• "If taxes on people with multiple homes are going to be changed or increased, then it stands to reason that that tax revenue should go to support people who don't have anywhere to live." - Rob Stokes
• "This is a problem for everyone, because if people can't find decent housing, everything else starts to fall apart." - Rob Stokes

Resources:

• Anglicare Sydney: Anglicare Sydney's website

Got a question, comment or personal story to share? Send it through at hopepodcasts.com.au. Ben and Pete will get stuck into it on a future episode.

Pete Burrows is an accountant for small business and individuals with Lower Russell and Farr in Penrith, Western Sydney, Australia.

Ben McEachen hosts Hope Mornings on Hope 103.2FM in Sydney, Australia.

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