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

Residential properties are seen near the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Sydney, Australia, on March 12, 2025 [Hollie Adams/Reuters]

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.