This World Homeless Day, the Victorian Public Tenants Association (VPTA) is calling on the state government to urgently address the social housing crisis by committing to the delivery of at least 60,000 new social housing homes, a strong proportion of which must be public housing homes, over the next decade.

This comes as over 100,000 vulnerable Victorians, including the elderly, women, and those receiving Centrelink payments, sit on waitlists for up to 10 years.

Katelyn Butterss, CEO of the Victorian Public Tenants Association, highlighted the pressing need for action. “The 60,000 homes are the bare minimum required to relieve the overwhelming pressure on our housing system,” she said.

“Public housing remains the most affordable and accessible option for those facing housing stress, yet the government has only announced one new public housing development since the Big Housing Build – the redevelopment of the ‘red brick’ apartments in Carlton. While welcome, it’s simply not enough.
“VPTA alone has seen a doubling in demand for our services since 2019.”

As the affordability crisis continues to worsen across the state, with the average rent in Melbourne reaching $550 per week , it is placing considerable strain on low-income families and individuals. In contrast, public housing provides much-needed relief by capping rent at 25% of a tenant’s income.

Butterss explains: “For example, a single person on JobSeeker, earning $393.40 per week, would be forced to pay $156.60 more than their weekly income  in Melbourne’s private rental market, but in public housing, they’d pay just $98.35 per week.

“A single person on the Age Pension and receiving Commonwealth Rest Assistance, earning $677.80 per week, would spend 81% of their income on private rent in Melbourne, compared to only $132.65 per week in public housing.”

Fiona York, Executive Officer of Housing for the Aged Action Group Inc. (HAAG) says older people in Australia, in particular older women, make up a staggering proportion of the need, stuck in unsuitable or precarious housing.

“The housing crisis has a disproportionate impact on older people. Between just two financial years, HAAG saw an increase of 62% in demand for housing services from older people,” she said.

“Victoria is at a critical juncture. Without a meaningful increase in public housing, we risk deepening the homelessness and housing insecurity crisis. Public housing is one of the most suitable housing options for this cohort because it provides stability, lower rents, and greater protection for tenants by the Victorian Ombudsman.

“We need the government to act decisively and make a firm commitment to building more public housing as the futures of so many Victorians depend on it.”

Peer-educator for HAAG Vanessa Heart is testament to the turnaround that’s possible when secure housing is found.

Having been homeless twice in her 70 years, both as a result of escaping domestic violence, she spent years sleeping in the front lawn bushes of quiet suburban homes for safety, waking before dawn to hide, search for food, and feeling invisible.

“There’s no food anywhere,” Vanessa recalls. “You’re just so hungry and in survival mode all the time. “People ignore you.”

Her turning point came when she was introduced to HAAG, which found her public housing home to live in – an incredible outcome after years of instability.

“It’s an indescribable feeling to finally have a place that’s yours,” she says. “I’m safe, I have a sense of community and connection, it’s amazing.”

Butterss also stresses that while community housing builds are coming onto the market, and play a role in alleviating the demand, they are not a substitute for public housing.

“Community housing was designed to complement public housing, not replace it. We need to see both growing together.

“Presently, the government’s commitment to public housing remains inadequate. With only one new public housing project currently planned, this falls far short of what is needed. We urge the government to prioritise public housing as part of a broader, more sustainable housing solution now.”

About Victorian Public Tenants Association

The Victorian Public Tenants Association (‘VPTA’) is the peak body for people who live in public housing, and for people on the Victoria Housing Register (the social housing waiting list). The VPTA manages a free and confidential telephone advice line for social housing renters and undertakes community outreach and engagement activities statewide. In 2023-24, the VPTA assisted in excess of 1,300 renters and applicants to access or sustain a social housing tenancy. They advocate for a safe and secure public housing system so that all Victorians who need a home, have one.

About Housing for the Aged Action Group (HAAG)

Housing for the Aged Action Group is one of the only Australian organisations specialised in the housing needs of older people. Coming from grass-roots beginnings over 40 years ago, HAAG today is over 800 members strong. It is committed to finding long term solutions to the housing crisis facing older people in Australia.