Media Releases
Incoming Labor government, and the new wave of independents, must ensure housing policy doesn’t forget older people
As a new Labor government begins, and it gets to work on a new sizeable investment in social housing, it must ensure its housing policy is inclusive of older people, especially older women …Posted in: Campaigns
Eight in 10 Australians believe social and affordable housing is an important election issue
The overwhelming majority of Australians will have social and affordable housing top of mind when they cast their vote at the upcoming federal election, new polling from HAAG shows. …Posted in: Campaigns
Older renters being left behind by the coalition
Older renters will be best served by policies brought to the election by the Labor Party and the Greens, according to an analysis of housing policy by HAAG. …Posted in: Campaigns
Queensland tackles homelessness for older women
HAAG welcomes yesterday’s announcement by the Queensland Government of measures to address older women’s homelessness, as part of their overall Housing and Homelessness Action Plan 2021-2025. A new housing and support hub model will be developed to assist older women, providing a “single entry point”, and taking an early intervention and prevention approach. …Posted in: News Updates, Older Women, Campaigns, Queensland
Much Needed Investment & Support for Housing & Homelessness in Queensland
We are encouraged by the $2.9 billion investment to fast-track housing delivery by the Queensland government in yesterday’s state budget. This includes $1 billion set aside for Housing Investment Fund, a long-term fund that will drive new supply to support current and future housing need. …Posted in: News Updates, Campaigns, Queensland
Report reveals inequality in Public and Community Housing
HAAG released a report today comparing the experiences of tenants who live in public housing with those who live in community housing, finding that there are significant differences for tenants in exercising their rights. The report compares the regulatory frameworks of housing owned and managed by the State Government, with housing managed by not-for-profit community housing providers. …Posted in: News Updates, Community Housing, Public Housing
We need more Health Care and less Police
HAAG was shocked at reports of a “hard lockdown” being enforced by police on public housing tenants in Flemington and North Melbourne on Saturday. This response was inappropriate and stigmatized low income, mostly migrant Victorians, many of whom have English as a second language. …Posted in: News Updates, Coronavirus, Public Housing
Older Victorians have No place to call home
Today HAAG released a report showing the extent of the housing crisis for older Victorians. Written by Dr Debbie Faulkner from the University of South Australia, it combines census data with data from Specialist Homelessness Services to closely examine the housing circumstances of people aged 55+ in Victoria. …Posted in: News Updates, Campaigns, Victoria
End Evictions to Protect Older Renters
“No Victorian should lose their home during this pandemic, or because of it,” said HAAG’s Chair, Phyll Williams. “Older people are the fastest-growing segment of the private rental market, and the most vulnerable to the coronavirus. The government must ensure that renters aren’t put on the street, where they will be completely unable to take any social-distancing or self-isolation measures.” …Posted in: News Updates, Coronavirus
Rental Reforms a Win for Older Residents
Housing for the Aged Action Group (HAAG) has welcomed proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (RTA) that bring stronger protection for older renters in caravan park and residential parks. In recent years, hundreds of home owners across Victoria who thought they had security in retirement have found themselves suddenly facing homelessness as developers closed the parks in which they lived. Under the proposed reforms, residents will be able to access compensation if their parks close down and they are forced to move. …Posted in: Retirement Housing Advice Service
Finally! Ombudsman promise a win for residents.
“Our members have been calling for an Ombudsman for the Retirement Housing industry for years,” said HAAG Chair Phyll Williams. “At the moment, older residents struggle to resolve disputes with their managers in quickly, cheaply and fairly. An ombudsman is sorely needed by many residents of retirement housing.” Ms Williams called on the Andrews government to match the LNP’s commitment. “Now that the Greens and the LNP have expressed support for an Ombudsman, its time for Labor to make it unanimous. Proper protections for older Victorians should not be a partisan issue,” she said. …Posted in: Retirement Housing Advice Service
Elder Abuse Cases Double at Older Person’s Housing Service
On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Home at Last, a specialist housing support service for older people has revealed recent data showing a sharp spike in the number of clients reporting elder abuse over the last year. Since January 2018, 63 older people have reported abuse. This number has more than doubled since the same time last year. …