NTCOSS factsheet about cost of living for young people in the NT

NTCOSS has produced its first Cost of Living factsheet for Young People in the Northern Territory.  

“With youth income support payments well below the poverty line, exorbitant housing costs, and limited access to essential services like transport, young Territorians are being left without the means to build a secure future  

“The data is clear: without urgent, targeted action from our governments, we will lead a generation into a lifetime of financial hardship.” said NTCOSS. 

Young people see cost of living as the most important issue for Australia  

From the factsheet, 50% of young people in the NT believe the cost of living is the most important issue in Australia today.  

The same survey revealed concern over the cost of living is growing for young people. With a 20% growth in cost of living being listed as the most important issue compared with data collected in 2023.  

Entry level wages or Youth Allowance create housing stress for young people in the private rental market 

As their career begins, young people are often on lower or entry level wages and have less capacity to protect themselves from financial pressures like raises in rent, car breakdowns or emergency healthcare.  

Currently in the NT there are no rentals, even in share houses, that cost $103 or less per week. This is the amount rent would have to be for someone on Youth Allowance or the minimum wage to avoid housing stress.  

Recommendations 

• Raise the base rate of Youth Allowance and other working age income support payments to at least $82 a day, to support people to afford the basic costs of living. 
• Increase the availability of youth specific accommodation across the NT, including through establishing a Youth Foyer in Alice Springs.  
• Amend the Residential Tenancies Act 1999 (NT) so Territory renters have at least the same rights and protections as other jurisdictions.
• Expand the Concession Scheme eligibility to all holders of Services Australia Health Care Card so more people can access important discounts on basic costs like utilities and car registration.