“The closer you get to Sydney and Canberra – and let’s face it, Goulburn is pretty close -  the more expensive housing becomes," Mr Taylor told the Post.

"It’s a big problem for low income earners because there are not many affordable rental properties or homes.

"There are always many suggestions as to how to tackle the problem – but I am firmly of the belief that the surest and quickest way is to increase housing supply.

"Right up and down the Hume Corridor the release of land for new housing developments needs to continue to be stepped up through concerted efforts by State and Local Governments."

Mr Taylor said that cheaper rental properties will immediately reduce a range of pressures on lower income families and individuals.

"The Federal Government is working to energise the housing construction sector and leverage private investment to get cheaper accommodation built," he said.

"We are also doing our utmost to find and create employment opportunities for as many people as we can on Newstart and Youth Allowance, because it is the Coalition Government’s belief that the very best kind of assistance is to help people secure a steady job.

"We are acutely aware of homelessness in regional centres and the numbers of people teetering on the brink of homelessness. The National Affordable Housing Agreement funds a range of crisis accommodation, tenant support and outreach services, as well as prevention and early intervention services.”

Member for Goulburn Pru Goward said that she welcomed the Anglicare report.

“I am happy to continue working with my Federal and State colleagues to improve housing affordability – and the affordability of rents – across the entire Goulburn electorate," Ms Goward said.