By BERND FAVEERE
Local city councils are closing down public housing because they are afraid of attracting low-income individuals, according to a local homelessness aid worker.
Wesley Mission Victoria’s Homelessness and Support Services Crisis Programs coordinator Maidie Graham said local councils did not want housing “that’s going to bring the riff-raff”.
“We’ve seen some good, some reasonable rooming houses close down,” Ms Graham said.
Unregistered share-houses with very little maintenance had replaced these properties, the Wesley coordinator said.
Many councils refused public housing developments because of the negative reputation associated with them. “Part of [the problem] is sometimes they haven’t been managed very well to start with,” she said.
However, some councils do offer homelessness support. Knox City council has implemented a housing assistance framework for those aged over 55. They also offer advice regarding public housing in their region.
These are positive steps, but various models must be available, Ms Graham said. Non-government social housing, public housing and private rentals are all among her suggestions, alongside adequate social supports.
But, she said, there is only so much local governments can do in the face of Australia's housing affordability crisis.
“If we don’t have affordable housing, we can’t resolve homelessness,” Ms Graham said.
Council to Homeless Persons consumer affairs manager Ian Gough agrees. “The key systemic issue is the affordability crisis we’re having,” he said.
The National Affordable Housing Agreement, agreed to in 2009 by the Council of Australian Governments, is the current government structure that is attempting to deal with this crisis.
Treasurer Scott Morrison in March criticised the NAHA, saying the annual $1.3 billion plan had not achieved its goals.
Ms Graham and Mr Gough both condemned the Treasurer’s view. “The critical thing about the NAHA is that it’s the key driver for affordable housing,” Mr Gough said. “We’d be devastated if the NAHA was to go.”