Homelessness
Media and commentary on our work protecting the rights of people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and helping people avoid or exit homelessness.
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2SER: Better housing for all
Housing has been a hot topic throughout the NSW election campaign. Interest rate increases are contributing to the cost-of-living crisis for mortgage holders, while more people than ever are renting their home, and feel they will be for life. With rents increasing rapidly, in Sydney and regional areas, and long queues to inspect rental properties…
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Helping Jamie* win against a problem landlord
Our Homeless Persons’ Legal Service helped a public housing tenant win a case against his problem landlord at the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
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2SER: the Women’s Homelessness Prevention Service
Last year, PIAC launched the Women’s Homelessness Prevention Service (WHPS), in response to the urgent need for a specialist legal service to support women experiencing or at risk of homelessness in NSW. WHPS offers free legal advice and connection to a range of support services at locations across Sydney, as well as legal representation for…
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StreetCare’s influence and recognition
StreetCare is celebrating several recent successes that will improve the lives of people experiencing homelessness – with benefits rippling out to communities across NSW.
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Homelessness, disability and institutional neglect
A severe shortage of social housing, combined with an increasingly unaffordable private rental market and inadequate social security payments, is causing more and more people to experience homelessness across Australia. Homelessness can happen to anyone, but people with disability are at increased risk. PIAC advocates for a social security system that genuinely supports people to access…
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Improved efficiency standards for new houses in NSW
PIAC’s Energy + Water Consumer Advocacy Program (EWCAP) has welcomed the Commonwealth, state and territory government agreement to improve residential energy efficiency standards in the National Construction Code. The changes, supported by a joint community and industry campaign, will lift minimum NatHERS energy efficiency ratings from 6 to 7 Stars and require homes to meet…
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2SER interview: everyone deserves a healthy home
Living in a house that is difficult to warm or cool down isn’t just annoying and unhealthy. It can also be very expensive. With rising energy prices, many of us are understandably concerned about our next power bill. Thomas Chailloux, Policy Officer joins 2SER Breakfast to discuss why everyone deserves to have a healthy home.
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It’s not what you know but who you know – reflections on StreetCare
By Charmaine Jones, Project Officer, StreetCare When I was younger, I viewed the old adage ‘it’s not what you know but who you know’ with suspicion. I thought it meant no matter how hard I worked or trained at something, I wouldn’t be able to break through the ‘old boys club’. But over time, I…
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Rapid increase in people over 55 experiencing homelessness
More and more older people are experiencing homelessness in New South Wales. And it is likely homelessness of older people is underestimated. Some homelessness is hidden, with people living in cars or ‘making do’ by couch surfing with friends. Stigma, a lack of knowledge about available services and a sense of hopelessness because of the…
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2SER interview: housing affordability crisis
We all need a home. But where do you turn if you cannot find one you are able to afford? Decades of under-investment by government have created a severe shortage of social housing. Low incomes, social security payments and rental assistance are not keeping pace with rent increases. Thomas Chailloux from the Public Interest Advocacy…