This report describes the results of a survey of 1,011 Australians, 56% of whom were on income support and 61% living with a disability or chronic medical condition. It found 92% reported negative impacts, including health impacts, from their homes being too hot. The report provides 16 recommendations across the areas of: improving energy performance of existing homes and new builds, energy affordability, adequate incomes, heatwave plan and shelters, and addressing homelessness. 

Key findings

• 64% of respondents are struggling to pay their energy bills despite reducing their energy usage.
• 14% sought medical attention in the last year because of the heat.
• First Nations people, people on income support, renters, and those with a disability or chronic medical condition were at greater risk of health impacts.
• 77% reported barriers to leaving their homes for cooler locations.

Key recommendations

• Fund energy upgrades for all 437,700 social housing properties by 2030, prioritising First Nations housing.
• Fund measures to ensure people in private rentals and low-income homeowners can access home energy upgrades, including mandating energy performance standards for rental properties.
• Provide debt relief for people in energy debt, among other measures.