Campaigns

Australia’s current housing crisis affects people differently at different stages of life and no age group or generation is immune to these challenges. While the data on wealth distribution across age groups, stagnant wages, rising housing costs demonstrate that housing situation for renting and home ownership is much worse now compared to what it was a few decades ago, this narrative of ‘boomers vs millennials’ risks misdirecting both public debate and policy responses on housing. The Australian housing market has been materially distorted by the concentration of property investors and policies that favour them coupled with decades of declining government investment in public and community housing.

Read our submission to the Inquiry into Intergenerational Housing Inequity

The 2026 summer fires have made an already precarious situation worse for HAAG's in the fire affected regions. Many of our clients were already at crisis point before the fires, placing them in a uniquely vulnerable position. They were renting poor quality housing on the outskirts of towns, or living in caravans and residential parks, without insulation or air conditioning, and without the financial buffer of contents or vehicle insurance. Several clients have lost their housing and all their possessions. The lack of housing in regional Victoria means many people have had to relocate, away from their support systems and communities.

Read our submission to the Inquiry here

The Stage 2 Activity Centres Program will drive significant new housing development across Melbourne’s tram and train corridors. However, without binding requirements for affordable and accessible housing, the program will overwhelmingly deliver market-rate housing that remains out of reach for the older people HAAG assists. HAAG is calling for dedicated public and community housing, and genuine affordability requirements to be mandated and enforced in all new housing developments.

Read our submission here

The lack of consistency across States and Territories, especially in relation to adoption of Liveable Housing Design Standard (LHDS) creates inequitable housing outcomes for people who need accessible housing including older people. Therefore, as part of streamlining the code, it is imperative that there are mandates introduced through the NCC to ensure national consistency in relation to minimum standards for construction. Considering the impact this framework would have on existing and future constructions, it is critical that people with lived experience or their representative advocacy bodies are part of the governance and advisory structures.

Read our submission here

People living in apartments and multi-unit dwellings, particularly renters, continue to face numerous barriers to accessing renewable and affordable electricity. As a result, they are unable to share the financial and health benefits, and those most in need of lower cost electricity are least able to obtain it. Without targeted action, Victoria’s energy transition risks reinforcing existing housing and income inequalities. Affordable, renewable energy is not a privilege of home ownership. It is essential infrastructure for health, dignity, and the right to age safely in place. We commend the Parliament for examining how best to expand access to renewable and affordable electricity for Victorians in these dwellings.

Read our submission 

The new Support at Home program, implemented in response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, aims to ensure ‘a simpler and more equitable system for older people that helps them to stay at home for longer’. While HAAG supports this vision, we hold grave concerns about whether the implementation of the program’s ability to meet the needs of older people in precarious housing.

Read our submission here