Rental advocate and TikTok star Jordan van den Lamb.
Renter advocates and groups dedicated to addressing homelessness are expressing their joy that a prominent TikTok influencer is making a move into politics.
Jordan van den Lamb, who gained a following posting about Victoria’s “dodgy” rental properties under the name ‘Purplepingers’, announced this week he will be the Victorian Socialists lead Senate candidate in the next federal election.
He also attracted attention when he began exposing the state’s vacant homes and controversially encouraged those struggling to keep a roof over their heads to squat in.
RELATED: Meet the people using Instagram, TikTok to shine a light on the housing industry
How Jordan van den Berg gained notoriety venting about real estate frustration
Melbourne tenants cop $2900 extra charge in rent in past 12 months
Some tenant advocacy groups are backing Mr van der Lamb’s political move, hoping he continues to champion renter issues reflected by many across the state.
Better Renting executive director Joel Dignam said it was exciting that a renter was running for office and would be able to bring tenant issues to the forefront of parliament.
“Renters and renter advocates, I think bring these issues into parliaments,” Mr Dignam said.
“Better Renting works to change things and putting pressure on politicians and bringing attention to these issues, but ultimately, we need politicians who are going to listen and act.”
Jordan van den Lamb is the lead Senate candidate for the Victorian Socialists in the next federal election.
He added that a lot of renters felt there was a disconnect where the struggles they had in their day-to-day lives weren’t being acknowledged by parliament.
“I think for a lot of people, that is what has made Jordan’s work appealing to them, is seeing their challenges reflected in someone who is listening and talking about what’s going on for them,” he said.
“We want to see more renters running for office.”
Housing and homelessness organisations coalition Everybody’s Home spokeswoman Maiy Azize said it was “fantastic” a tenant representing folks who rented rather than invested in property was trying to be elected to parliament.
“Landlords are a constituency, in a way that people who live in housing just aren’t; (renters) just don’t have political power in the same way that landlords do,” Ms Azize said.
“If Jordan running signifies something changing and people can get excited about that, that’s a good thing.
“Hopefully, it sends the message to major parties as well that these are constituencies that they need to be reaching out to and that are gaining a bit more power in politics.”
Ms Azize said it was “fantastic” Mr van den Lamb was running for parliament.
Renters and Housing Union general secretary Harry Millward said all politicians should be waking up and listening to the growing disconnect with the housing situation.
“Any politician or policy that advocates for housing as a human right is only a good thing,” Mr Millward said.
“There is a real hunger for options across the board to deal with the growing housing insecurity and growing financial inequality.
“It would be wise for all politicians and political thinkers to really listen to the voices of those who are dealing with that housing insecurity, because those are going to be deciding voices for all future elections.”
Mr van den Lamb said he was running for parliament because Victoria needed to see change, with landlord profits at record highs and homelessness support services reaching breaking point.
“I stand for a society in which no-one has to struggle just to keep a roof over their head,” he said.
“One that prioritises building good quality public housing, and investing in health, education, welfare and sustainability, instead of spending hundreds of billions on submarines and tax cuts for the rich.”
Sign up to the Herald Sun Weekly Real Estate Update. Click here to get the latest property market news delivered direct to your inbox.
MORE: Melbourne migration rebounds despite housing crisis
Aussie suburbs where homes are cheaper than 2014
Melburnians swapping rental crisis for $1m first homes
sarah.petty@news.com.au
English (US) · 