Seven New South Wales independent candidates and MPs are calling on the incoming state government to address homelessness among older people by introducing a specialist housing support service for older people, lowering the priority age from 80 years, and building more social and affordable housing.
HAAG recommends to increase social housing stock, income support, engagement with communities affected by poverty, to address systemic gender inequality, develop a national agenda for older people and a implement a nationally consistent construction code to make housing accessible and adaptable to climate change.
The number of people older than 55 living in private rentals in Queensland increased by 71% over the past decade, according to new analysis of the 2021 Census released today.
New census data shows that over the last ten years, the housing circumstances for people aged 55 years and older in Queensland have gotten worse. This report is based on original research conducted for Housing for the Aged Action Group by researchers at Swinburne University of Technology, Western Sydney University and Curtin University.
New census data shows that over the last ten years, the housing circumstances for people aged 55 years and older in NSW have gotten worse. This report is based on original research conducted for Housing for the Aged Action Group by researchers at Swinburne University of Technology, Western Sydney University and Curtin University.
Older people in New South Wales waiting for social housing were dealt a blow today, with the NSW Government failing to support a recommendation by one of its own inquires that the priority age for social housing be lowered.
There is ample evidence to demonstrate that the Aged Care service systems are not adequately meeting the needs of older people, especially those retiring into poverty, or experiencing housing or homelessness issues. Considering this, there is a clear need to ensure the rights of those who are experiencing additional challenges or are likely to experience disadvantage should be core part of a new Inspector-General’s role.
Our final newsletter for 2022 looks at some of the major changes happening to the ACH and ACSN programs in 2023, welcomes our new Chairperson Pam Young as well including as lots of light hearted end-of-year content.
In August 2022, the Residential Tenancies Commissioner and HAAG co-hosted a residential parks roundtable (the roundtable) to hear from residents in Victoria about their experiences of living in residential parks. Approximately 70 residents from residential parks across Victoria joined the meeting, which was co-chaired by the Commissioner and HAAG’s Executive Officer. Staff from HAAG, the Department of Justice and Community Safety, and the Office of the Commissioner for Senior Victorians assisted with note taking and facilitating breakout discussions.
More Victorians than ever before are approaching and entering retirement without owning their home, according to analysis of the 2021 Census commissioned by Housing for the Aged Action Group (HAAG) and undertaken by researchers at Swinburne University of Technology, Western Sydney University and Curtin University.
Our Annual Report showcases the work of HAAG, broken down into our four pillars of Changing Lives by providing services, Changing the System through our advocacy, Honouring our Heritage through elevating the voices of older people, and Strengthening our Organisation through sound governance.
The draft of proposed amendments to the Retirement Villages Act bill fails to address many concerns raised by and on behalf of residents, in particular around management standards and fairer fees. The bill allows the most exploitative and predatory operators to continue to operate according to ‘churn’ business models where they are incentivised to maintain high turnover rates by systematically pressuring residents to leave once their exit fees reach their maximum value. The bill abandons the concept of a rights-based framework in favour of vague unenforceable ‘principles’. Overall, the bill simply fails to address serious public concerns about exploitative business practices in the retirement village industry, much less the concerns expressed by the many residents who have made submissions to this review.
It’s hard to see how the Federal Government’s plan to address Australia’s housing crisis, including its new accord with the states and territories, will help older people without a home.
The lives of older people experiencing homelessness, particularly older women, will improve markedly if the New South Wales Government moves to implement the recommendations handed down today by the Social Issues Committee inquiry into homelessness amongst older people aged over 55
Spring is well and truly here and we are back with another edition of Older Tenants Voice, launching our Victorian Election Platform, our new service in Queensland, and all the usual news and reviews from the team at HAAG
In this very special edition we have a lot to celebrate. There's a change of government! So we take look back at a very successful election campaign. Also we are really excited about many upcoming events planned for August, October and even November. We really can't wait to be holding meetings in person again! Read all this and so much more in the Winter 2022 Older Tenants Voice
"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort."
