As Australia votes, a housing affordability crisis is top of voters’ minds | Elections News

Sydney, Australia – When Mary votes in Australia’s national elections on Saturday, the country’s chronic shortage of affordable housing will be at the top of her mind.

For two years, the 59-year-old former postal worker has been staying in short-term accommodations in regional New South Wales along with her daughter and her dog.

Mary receives income from a fortnightly old age pension of 1051.30 Australian dollars (US$673) and seasonal hospitality and retail jobs, but she cannot afford…