Thursday, 20 February 2025

Social housing

Anasina GRAY-BARBERIO (Northern Metropolitan) (17:57): (1442) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Ageing, and the action I seek is to increase asset limits for social housing to better support older Victorians facing housing insecurity. Victoria’s population is ageing, with this trend set to continue. Currently 16 per cent of Northern Metro’s population is aged 60 or over. This growing cohort faces unique challenges, particularly in housing affordability and security.

Ageing is also a gendered issue. There are more women than men in the older population, and older women are more likely to experience financial hardship due to lower lifetime earnings, time taken out of the workforce for caregiving responsibilities and longer life expectancy. Sadly, women over 55 are the fastest growing cohort facing homelessness. Between 2013 and 2018 homelessness among women in Victoria increased by 48.3 per cent. Addressing this requires targeted and gender-responsive policies.

Across Victoria 27 per cent of people aged 60-plus come from non-English-speaking backgrounds. Northern Metro, one of Victoria’s most diverse regions, reflects this trend. Language barriers, cultural differences and lack of culturally appropriate housing services further isolate older people, making it harder for them to find stable accommodation. Housing affordability is a pressing issue in northern metro Melbourne. This region has proportionally lower rates of home ownership compared to the state average, meaning more older people are reliant on the rental market. Many people face rising rents and financial insecurity, with some paying high mortgage repayments well into their retirement years.

Recently I met with Fiona from Housing for the Aged Action Group, an organisation dedicated to supporting older tenants in Victoria, including LGBTQI+ communities. Their advocacy and programs such as Home at Last provide crucial support for those at risk of homelessness. I acknowledge the team at Housing for the Aged Action Group for their understanding, empathy and practical support for the ageing community.

Currently individuals with over $37,212 in savings are disqualified from many housing support services. This threshold is one of the lowest in the country and unrealistic in today’s economic climate. Older people who have worked hard to save for their retirement should not be penalised and excluded from essential services when they are at risk of losing their homes. Homes Victoria sets income limits for affordable social housing at $73,530 for singles and $110,300 for couples. However, developers have little incentive to build homes for those on the lowest incomes, including many older people.

Minister, it is important that asset limits for housing support services reflect the realities of an ageing population in a challenging housing market. Older Victorians deserve to age with dignity and security, and we must take action to ensure that they are not left behind.