Anti-Poverty Week: Reframing Housing as a Human Right – event summary

During Anti Poverty Week 2024, the Centre hosted a webinar exploring housing as a human right and the impact of insecure housing and homelessness on children and young people.

Key topics included:

• the impact of the Voice referendum on First Nations autonomy,
• the national housing crisis with 62,000 Victorians on the public housing waiting list, and
• the disproportionate impact on young people and Aboriginal families.

Commissioner for Residential Tenancies, Dr. Heather Holst, highlighted the need for longer leases and better tenant rights, while Juno CEO Tanya Corrie emphasised the gendered analysis of housing policy. Uniting Vic.Tas CEO Bronwyn Pike stressed the importance of storytelling and community engagement in advocating for housing as a human right.

View the event recording here

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wjktjTmRuo[/embedyt]

Download the slide pack here.

Event Summary

Opening by the Centre’s CEO Deb Tsorbaris

Deb reflected on the defeat of the Voice of Referendum and its impact on First Nations autonomy, particularly in housing. She highlighted the Centre’s advocacy for secure and stable homes as crucial for children and families, especially during Anti-Poverty Week.

Key points

• There is national housing crisis in Australia, with cost of housing is at an all-time high, affecting those on the lowest incomes the most.
• Public housing waiting lists continue to increase in size, and young people are disproportionately impacted, with many experiencing homelessness.
• Positive conversations led by Teals, including Senator David Pocock’s National Housing and Homelessness Bill, which reconceptualises housing as a fundamental human right.
• Kevin Bell’s book, “Housing: The Great Australian Right,” argues that current housing policies prioritise private wealth creation over social investment.
• A recent Member Survey indicated that 85% of our members regularly provide support to families experiencing housing insecurity, with more employed families seeking assistance.
  • Impacts of housing insecurity on families, include depression, stress, families remaining in unsafe environments, and fear of child removal.
  • Important that we recognise the impact of housing stress on children and ensuring their basic needs for safety, stability, and security are met.

Commissioner for Residential Tenancies, Dr Heather Holst

Dr Holst outlined the broader impact of housing insecurity on children, including the lack of a stable home, worried parents, poor health, and limited social connections.

Policy Innovations and Housing as a Human Right

Key points:

• Housing stability is important for children’s development and to support for parents to be their best.
• The stigma faced by renters must be recognised and addressed.
• There are long-term impacts of housing insecurity, including discontinuity of education and developmental delays.
• Grandparents increasingly have a role in providing stability and support for children, but there is also a need to address the homelessness of older women.
• Housing should be seen as an essential service, and we need a universal service approach to it.

Rental Reforms and Innovative Housing Models

Key Points:

• Victoria’s rental reforms have included removing no-reason notices to vacate and introducing the reasonable and proportionate test for evictions.
• It’s important to provide longer leases for tenants, but there are challenges in achieving this goal.
• There are many innovative housing models, such as the Botanical Apartments in St. Kilda and the Dandenong project, which provide stability and support for families.
• Groups like the Pregnancy and Homelessness Coalition are counting and responding to homelessness among specific groups, such as pregnant women.
• Social housing is desperately needed alongside long-term stability in the private rental sector.

Juno CEO Tanya Corrie: Gendered Analysis of Housing Policy

Tanya Corrie introduced the Women’s Housing Alliance, which advocates for a gendered analysis of housing policy and programs.

Key points:

• There are higher rates of homelessness among women and the need for a gendered approach to address the root causes, including family violence and gender inequality.
• It is important to reframe housing as a human right to shift accountability to the system and ensure everyone can access stable housing.
• The is a need for a comprehensive approach that includes a gendered analysis and addresses the unique needs of women and non-binary individuals.
• Tanya called for a cultural shift in how we view housing and the importance of maintaining a gendered lens in housing policy and programs.

Uniting Statewide Children’s Resource Program Coordinator, Jay Church: Children’s Experiences of Homelessness

Jay Church introduced the Statewide Children’s Resource Program, which supports specialist homelessness services and advocates for children’s and young people’s rights.

Key points:

• The cost-of-living crisis is impacting families, and there is an increased need for support with educational costs and extracurricular activities.
• Homelessness has negative impacts on children, including disrupted sleep, limited possessions, and poor mental health.
• It is important that we use child-led practices and involve children in decisions that affect their lives.
• There is a need for structured support and early intervention to prevent harm and trauma among children experiencing homelessness.

Uniting CEO, Hon. Bronwyn Pike AO:  Historical Context and Systemic Change

The Hon. Bronwyn Pike reflected on the historical context of housing and poverty inquiries in Australia and the similarities between past and present challenges.

Key points:

• There are structural drivers of poverty, and we need a comprehensive approach to address systemic barriers.
• A long-term strategic focus is important, and we need leadership and community engagement to create meaningful change.
• She called for a national conversation that would focus on the shared values of compassion, equity, and respect for all people.
• The community sector can help reframing the narrative around economic and political issues and the need for bold and consistent advocacy.

Panel Discussion

Key points

• It is important to organise and advocate for housing as a human right, with a coordinated approach to addressing housing insecurity.
• Lived experience is powerful, and it’s important that we prioritise the voices of those who have experienced housing insecurity.
• We need humanising stories that appeal to the best of human nature to create a more equitable society.
• It’s important to include children in projects and listen to their voices in planning and decision-making.
• The panel called for continued advocacy and collaboration to ensure everyone can access stable and secure housing.