Climate
Older renters and people experiencing homelessness are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. HAAG supports real action on climate change as well as adaptation measures to ensure older renters can be safe in their own homes.
Floods and renters rights
Shane and Fiona talk to Johnathon Gurry, the Director of Policy and Research at VCOSS, about their new report into the impact of floods on disadvantaged Victorians, Turning the Tide. …
Posted in: Podcasts, Regional issues, Renter's rights
Inquiry into renewable and affordable energy for apartments hears HAAG
The Victorian Inquiry into renewable and affordable energy for apartments has released it’s final report, with many recommendations aligning with HAAG’s submission, while stopping short on addressing challenges in caravan parks, retirement villages and other types of housing. …
Posted in: News Updates, Campaigns
Investigation into Minimum Energy Efficiency Rental Standards Consultation Paper
Older people are disproportionately affected by extreme weather events such as heatwaves. The prohibitive costs of electricity or gas results in older people not using heating in winter or risking their health in summer as they are unable to make their homes energy efficient. The vast majority of non-homeowners have little control over improvements that… …
Posted in: Submissions, Campaigns
Burning to move
In March 2024, 84-year-old Daryl attended Cobram Community House alongside his daughter and son-in-law, seeking advice regarding his housing. Daryl had been privately renting a farmhouse for the past 25 years. However, he was approached by the landlord who informed him that the property has been sold to the landlord’s grandson and Daryl would need… …
Posted in: Client Stories, Moveable Units
Submission to the Inquiry into the 2026 summer fires across Victoria
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,… …
Posted in: Submissions, Campaigns, Victoria
Inquiry into renewable and affordable energy for apartments
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… …
Posted in: Submissions, Campaigns, Victoria
Older Women and Heatwaves
Fiona and Liz talk to Margareta Windisch about the findings of her new PHD research into older women and heatwaves. We discuss the structural issues that impact on older women and how they cope with the increasing heat, in all types of housing. …
Posted in: Podcasts, Older Women
Older renters in the Victorian Fires 2026
Fiona and Liz talk to Teresa, Anne and Leanne about the impact of the fires and heatwaves on vulnerable older renters in northern Victoria.Consumer Affairs Victoria disaster help: 1300 55 8181 …
Posted in: Podcasts, Regional issues, North Central Victoria
Health, housing and severe weather events
Shane and Liz talk to Primary Care Connect CEO Tricia Quibbell about their work on community health in regional Victoria, and the impacts of severe weather events. Then Shane talks to Fiona about her experiences giving evidence to a parliamentary inquiry about the public housing tower demolitions. …
Posted in: Podcasts, Regional issues
Submission to Victoria’s 2026–30 Climate Change Strategy
HAAGs submission to the consultation on Victoria’s Climate Change Strategy 2026-30 calls for a have a specific focus on supporting older Victorians, particularly those who are financially disadvantaged, in recognition of the disproportionate impact of climate change on older people. We recommend that the Strategy acknowledges the links between climate change and housing, supporting calls… …
Posted in: Submissions, Campaigns, Victoria
Extreme heat and housing justice
Shane and Fiona talk to Sophie from Sweltering Cities on the occasion of the first Extreme Heat Awareness Day. Then we hear from HAAG member Vanessa about her experiences dealing with heat as a public housing renter. …
Posted in: Podcasts
The Heat is on high rises!
Shane and Fiona talk to Bill McKenzie, public housing resident and HAAG member, talking about his citizen science work at Layfield Court, one of the older persons high rises in Melbourne, and about the issues of heatwaves in high rises, Homes Victoria’s communications about the demolitions, and the roll out of the air conditioning program.Corrections:… …
Posted in: Podcasts, Older Renters Working Group, Public Housing