Shane and Fiona speak to regional workers Teresa and Anne about the work they do supporting older people to access housing in regional Victoria. This work is entirely funded by the Ian Rollo Currie Foundation. If you want to support the program head to www.oldertenants.org.au/donate or call HAAG on (03) 96547389
Buying into a retirement village is not only a personal decision, but also a financial one. Understanding your options is important. Join us for an informative conversation as we discuss the important factors to think about when considering retirement village living. From contracts and fees – such as entry, exit and maintenance – to everyday lifestyle details, understanding what’s involved will help to make the decision easier.
HAAG welcomes the Prime Minister’s election night commitments to ensuring that ‘no-one is left behind’, and to ‘looking after older Australians’. One of the most effective foundations to achieve this will be to ensure that everyone has a secure home they can afford. Distressingly, increasing numbers of older people are prevented from achieving this basic human need. They are at risk of homelessness, or are going without food, essential medications, heating and cooling, and healthcare just to keep a roof over their head.
Our May General Meeting will hear from the United Housing Co-operative about their older women's Summerhill Village housing project, as well as updates from our campaign for an Ombudsman.
After decades of campaigning for safe, secure and affordable housing for older people, the housing crisis is finally getting the attention it deserves in this election campaign. Labor, the Coalition and the Greens are all vying to woo voters with pledges they claim will improve the affordability of housing. HAAG is pleased that housing has been such a prominent issue in the election, but we are deeply disappointed that that the unprecedented housing crisis facing older people has not been addressed.
Why does the government hate public housing?
23 Apr 2025
Shane and Fiona talk to Kerrie Byrne from Save Public Housing Collective
What do older people need in the federal election?
9 Apr 2025
Shane talks to Patricia Sparrow, CEO of COTA Australia, about how the cost of living crisis is affecting older people and what COTA is calling for during the federal election campaign. Find out more about COTA's federal election statement here or check out HAAG's election resources on our website.
In the lead up to the next Federal Election which will be called in 2025, there is real momentum for change to address older person's homelessness across the country. Our voices are powerful and the housing crisis gripping Australia will be a key election issue.
We encourage you to contact your local federal representative and other local candidates to request meetings to talk about the issue of older person's homelessness and what needs to change. Local members are often keen to meet their constituents, especially when there is an upcoming election. They are interested in local concerns and with the right information, encouragement and clear recommendations, you can be a champion for older people and their housing issues.
HAAGs submission to the consultation on Victoria’s Climate Change Strategy 2026-30 calls for a have a specific focus on supporting older Victorians, particularly those who are financially disadvantaged, in recognition of the disproportionate impact of climate change on older people. We recommend that the Strategy acknowledges the links between climate change and housing, supporting calls for a significant increase in the number of public, community and affordable housing. We also recommend strengthening minimum energy efficiency standards for rental properties, and improving the ability of public and community housing to withstand extreme heat events, with a priority on 55+ public housing stock.
"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort."