New census data shows that over the last ten years, the housing circumstances for people aged 55 years and older in Victoria have gotten worse. This report is based on original research conducted for Housing for the Aged Action Group by researchers at Swinburne University of Technology, Western Sydney University and Curtin University.
The rate of JobSeeker needs to be increased for all recipients, not just some. While we welcome the Federal Government’s acknowledgement of the ageism that places additional pressure on older workers, leaving under 55s languishing well below the poverty line is not the way forward.
Disability discrimination and housing justice
26 Apr 2023
Shane talks to Kerry, a solicitor and community legal education coordinator from the Disability Discrimination Legal Service. Many people develop disabilities as they age, and this can seriously affect their access to housing as well as other aspects of their lives. What rights and options do disabled people have to protect themselves from discrimination? You can call DDLS on (03) 9654 8644. You can contact HAAG on (03) 9654 7389.
HAAG welcomes the opportunity to provide input into the National Strategy to Achieve Gender Equality. This submission is based on our experience delivering housing and related support services to older women, research and lived experiences of older women experiencing housing stress or homelessness in Australia. We especially acknowledge the contributions to this submission made by members of HAAG’s advisory groups including National Alliance for Seniors Housing (NASH), Retirement Accommodation Action Group (RAAG), LGBTQIA+ reference group, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) reference group and NSW Lived Experience Advocacy Group (LEAG).
A HAAG member and Public Housing Tenant reports from the front line of the Public Housing situation
The Lived Experience of voting out the Liberal Party in NSW
12 Apr 2023
Shane and Fiona talk to Dini Liyananrchchi about the NSW State Election, where the ALP is now in minority government, and what it means for older people's housing issues. We start the show with a recording from our forum held in February, where Michelle Cook, a member of HAAG's NSW Lived Experience Advisory Group tells her personal story of housing stress and homelessness.
Jorge Jorquera from Maribyrnong Council talks to Shane and Fiona about gentrification and rising housing costs in the inner west. We talk about how development is reshaping Footscray, including the old and new hospital sites.
Seven New South Wales independent candidates and MPs are calling on the incoming state government to address homelessness among older people by introducing a specialist housing support service for older people, lowering the priority age from 80 years, and building more social and affordable housing.
HAAG recommends to increase social housing stock, income support, engagement with communities affected by poverty, to address systemic gender inequality, develop a national agenda for older people and a implement a nationally consistent construction code to make housing accessible and adaptable to climate change.
"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort."