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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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…
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Civil society organisations call for a Christmas pause on COVID fine collection to reduce hardship in communities already doing it tough
A coalition of legal and civil society organisations have called for a four month pause on COVID fine enforcement action, as new figures reveal communities with high numbers of people facing disadvantage have been hit with the most fines, and real doubts about whether many have been issued correctly and fairly. Statistics obtained by Redfern Legal Centre reveal that almost 50,000 COVID-19 fines were issued for breaches of Public Health Orders, with more…
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Disability pension not enough to buy food
From 7News.com.au: Thomas Chailloux from the Public Interest Advocacy Centre said people on the disability pension were at risk of homelessness because their complex and fluctuating needs cannot be addressed on the current rate. Insecure housing and not having enough money for rent would then cause a spiral when people stop buying medication and food…
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Public forum on policing public space
Thank you to everyone who attended PIAC’s online forum on 18 May and heard from policy, legal and consumer experts, as we formally launched a new joint report with Homelessness NSW. ‘Policing Public Space: The experiences of people sleeping rough,’ highlights how negative interactions with police can stop people who are experiencing homelessness from enjoying…
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Forum: Policing Public Space
Join policy, legal and consumer experts for an important lunchtime forum about the policing of homelessness in public space, as we launch a new joint report that details the experiences of people sleeping rough in Sydney. The over-policing of homelessness in public spaces has been raised by advocates and consumers alike as a significant contributor…