I agree housing is mental and the exception, especially in some places like Syd and Melb, but I think there is a broader point that is justified. If people only bought what they could pay for (excluding housing) then most people who are crying foul wouldn't be in anywhere near the issues they are at the moment, but that migh mean not having a shiny new car.
So based on some of the logic in this thread, people on low wages or on the Jobseeker allowance should easily be able to live on 20-50% less than they are getting now! Or is it more about levelling the playing field and socialism.
The vast majority of my non-discretionary spend (at least 90%) is on my own home, investment property and a business loan. I will get through this crisis and will still own my home, as will many people who can put their loans on "hold". But if you're a young (or not so young person) who has been trying to save to buy a home and suddenly find yourself unemployed but not entitled to government support and have to tap into those savings, you might never get the opportunity to buy a house again!
And let's not forget it is discretionary spending that keeps the cafes, pubs, cinemas, clothes shops, camping shops, accommodation providers, sporting organisations and many other parts of our economy running and people in jobs. This crisis might just show people what they can live without!
To be honest, if I can't get work for 6 months, maybe I just put the home loans on hold (or better still pay the interest in advance on my investment loan so I get a big fat refund this year), take the government handout and spend 6 months adding value to my home. I'll probably be better off at the end of the day.