HAAG welcomes the opportunity to provide input into the Inquiry into the Rental and Housing Affordability Crisis in Victoria. This submission is based on our experience delivering housing and related support services to older people, research and lived experiences of older people experiencing housing stress or homelessness in Australia. We especially acknowledge the contributions to this submission made by members of HAAG’s advisory groups including Retirement Accommodation Action Group (RAAG), LGBTQIA+ reference group and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) reference group.
The rental crisis across Victoria coupled with cost of living pressures are pushing people into homelessness. The rental market is particularly challenging for older people who are on low-incomes or relying on government income support payments as their main source of income. Even before the current crisis, Retirement Income Review Final Report found that renters and involuntary retirees experience higher levels of financial stress and poverty than the working-age population. Rental stress may exacerbate existing health conditions or contribute to new health issues, such as stressrelated illnesses or social isolation among older people.
"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort."