A series of stories published by the ABC this week highlighted unfair fees, confusing contracts and poor treatment of residents living in retirement villages. Government must act now to protect retirement village residents from exploitation and eviction.
HAAG makes a number of recommendations to ensure the 'Plan for Victoria' addresses the future needs of older people to have access to safe, secure and affordable housing.
HAAG recommends that the Federal Government identify financial products and banking options to prevent older people in the lowest income households falling out of homeownership due to mortgage stress, as well as funding the construction of public and community housing for older people who are not likely to find market based housing
Shane and Fiona speak to Erin Turner, CEO of Consumer Policy Research Centre about their new research in partnership witht he Office of the Residential Tenancies Commissioner, focussing on residential parks.You can find out more and participate in the research by going to their website www.cprc.org.au
Data shows that over the last ten years, housing circumstances for older people in Victoria have gotten worse. We need these measures to prevent more older people from experiencing homelessness.
Improving housing options and preventing homelessness for a growing number of older people at risk of or experiencing homelessness as they age will be discussed today when Ministers, housing experts and people with lived experience of the housing crisis come together at Victorian parliament.
Greens talk housing
28 Aug 2024
Shane talks to Gabrielle de Vietri, Greens spokesperson for housing
Launch of the report “Not rich enough, not poor enough: Older people falling through the housing assistance eligibility gap” followed by a discussion on solutions to address the needs of older people who are experiencing housing stress living in the private rental market but ineligible for Public or Community Housing.
Wednesday 16th October, 11am – 12:30pm Level 4, Queen Victoria Women’s Centre, 210 Lonsdale St, Melbourne
• Professor Wendy Stone, Swinburne University of Technology; • Dr Piret Veeroja, Swinburne University of Technology • Fiona York, Executive Officer HAAG • Emma Greenhalgh, CEO National Shelter • Lived experience speakers • Others TBC
HAAG welcomes the opportunity to provide input into National Housing and Homelessness Plan Bill 2024. We appreciate Senator David Pocock, Kylea Tink MP and other members for their efforts bring this Bill forward and echo the support from the community sector organisations. Among other things, the submission below outlines the housing and homelessness related challenges of older people and the need to specifically recognise their needs.
"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort."