Debating affordable housing for older Australians
The cost of buying, or even renting a house, is proving to be a huge topic of concern for many older Australians, according to Benetas chief executive, Sandra Hills. “It comes during a time when we’re seeing people become increasingly hesitant to down-size or sell their homes as they reach retirement or move into aged care,” Ms Hills says.
The cost of buying, or even renting a house, is proving to be a huge topic of concern for many older Australians, according to Benetas chief executive, Sandra Hills.
“It comes during a time when we’re seeing people become increasingly hesitant to down-size or sell their homes as they reach retirement or move into aged care,” Ms Hills says.
This topic was the inspiration for a free public event which encourages Victorians of all ages to discuss the topic – Affordable housing is a right.
The event named the ‘Great Housing Debate’, is co-hosted by not-for-profit aged care provider Benetas and the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation, and aims to raise awareness of the importance of home and housing affordability for older Victorians and the wider community.
Benetas is excited to host the event, according to Ms Hills, who says Australia’s housing market is set to “face a huge strain”.
“The Australian Housing and Research Institute (AHURI) has estimated the number of people aged 65 years and over, in low income rental housing, will increase by 115% from 195,000 in 2011 to 419,000 in 2026,” Ms Hills says.
She says it is even more concerning that the nation is already facing a lack of housing for disadvantaged older people.
The AHURI found demand for public housing by disadvantaged older people was projected to increase by 75%, between 2011 and 2016; which equated to about 4,391 additional older people to find accommodation each year.
Some of the event’s keynote debaters include director of aged care reform engagement at COTA, Pat Sparrow; Australian comedian and writer, Rod Quantock, and 3AW’s resident urban planning expert, Bill Kuszirczuk.
The Great Housing Debate will be held at BMW Edge, Federation Square on Thursday, 6 October at 11am. Free tickets can be booked by calling (03) 8823 7998.
