News

State Government Invests in Homelessness Services but Falls Short in Providing Essential Housing

On the 13th of January, Minister for Housing Martin Foley announced that the State Government would invest $45 million in housing services and housing, to tackle the state’s homelessness crisis. While Housing for the Aged Action Group (HAAG) welcomes the focus on early intervention and pathways into long term housing, it would like to see more money invested into housing itself, so that services can offer long-term, rather than band aid solutions.

HAAG Communique- a response to the Inquiry into the Retirement Housing Sector

Since its announcement in February 2016, HAAG members have been contributing to the Victorian Parliament’s Inquiry into the Retirement Housing Sector. HAAG members were also involved in campaigning for the inquiry itself, so much work has gone into this area of policy development.

HAAG’s extensive submissions to the inquiry were based on the work and knowledge of our ILU and CARPAV working groups over many years. Individual members and staff presented at the oral hearings, sharing their personal experiences. The Government received nearly 800 written submissions and oral testimonies over a three month period.

In March 2017, the government released the Inquiry’s report, which made 15 recommendations to improve the sector.

See our response here 

HAAG makes submission to National Inquiry

HAAG has made a submission to the Inquiry into the Treasury Laws Amendment  to the The National Housing and Homelessness Agreement Bill. The bill presents the Australian government with an opportunity to develop a national housing policy that addresses increasing need for secure affordable housing.

Submissions

Senate Passes Motion calling for Action for Older Peoples Housing

Federal Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon moved a motion calling on the government to raise real levels of funding for homelessness services and social housing, work with stakeholders to ensure the specific needs of older people are addressed in National Housing and Homelessness Agreement negotiations with states, and review the Commonwealth Assistance with Care and Housing Program to ensure it is meeting the needs of Australia’s ageing population. The motion passed the Senate with only the Liberal Party and One Nation opposing.

Housing affordability crisis threatening older Australians - Lateline

A new report from the Ageing on the Edge - Older Persons Homelessness Prevention Project shows many older Australians are increasingly at risk of becoming homeless and spending more than half their pension and savings on rent. Seniors advocates are warning it's the beginning of a community crisis in Australia. Report by Sarah Farnsworth - Lateline.

Retirement Housing Matters 2017/ 2018

There has been a Parliamentary Inquiry into the Retirement Housing Sector. Recommendations have been released, and we have met with 30 MP's to hear about what they will do to implement these recommendations. Still, there is much to be done. Before the next election, help us keep these issues at the forefront of the minds of those wishing to be elected. Arrange a meeting with your local MP to discuss the reform that matters to you. Housing for the Aged Action Group, Consumer Action Law Center, Council on the Aged Victoria and the Residents of Retirement Villages Victoria have put together these resources to help you.

New report: Sydney rents - the Grinch robbing older people of Christmas

In the lead up to Christmas, thousands of Sydney pensioners are surviving on less than $228 a week after forking out half their income on rents, a new report will reveal today.
 
The release of the Ageing on the Edge NSW report in Sydney today by the Housing for the Aged Action Group (HAAG) and University of Adelaide paints a dire picture of rental affordability for older Australians.

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