Opposition Senator Suzann Roberts-Holshouser is calling on landlords to rent apartments to people on financial assistance regardless of their predicament,

Speaking during the Motion to Adjourn in the Senate yesterday, Mrs. Roberts-Holshouser said: "I implore landlords and real estate agencies out there saying to individuals 'I don't want someone with financial assistance in my home'.

"Someone who has gone to financial assistance is not a bad person. If people recognise that they are in financial difficulty, go for financial assistance quick. Go for it immediately."

Mrs. Roberts-Holshouser also urged people who need assistance to sign up as soon as possible.

"They can't look at existing debt. They can't look at what is behind one month. You need to work and get to the system as fast as you possibly can.

"If you're receiving financial assistance it's because you need it. We have got to take care of people in our neighbourhood and people down the street."