This article looks at the impact of the Victorian Government's Public Housing Redevelopment Program on older people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Shane talks to HAAG members Maryanne and Jane about their experiences of private rental, homelessness and homelessness services, and what needs to change for older renters. Plus news about older people's housing issues. As mentioned during the show, if you're dealing with Centrelink and want some support or advice you can contact the Australian Unemployed Workers Union or Social Security Rights Victoria.
Last October, the Victorian Government made promises to the community that you would pass legislation to ‘make renting fair’ in Victoria. We wrote to Minister Foley to urge that these reforms must be introduced to parliament without further delay to give them any chance of passing before the election, and to make sure that they don’t undermine the safety and security of older Victorians.
Home at Last, are appalled at the findings of the Inquiry into the Public Housing Renewal Program which revealed that the previous redevelopment in Kensington (a model for the current program) actually decreased the total number of Public and Community houses by 36% and the number of bedrooms by 54%, while selling off the public land for just 5% of its market value.
"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort."