9: Housing and homelessness Flashcards
(11 cards)
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (2018) definition of ‘homelessness’ is:
is in a dwelling that is inadequate or,
has no tenure, or their initial tenure is short and not extendable, or
does not allow for or access to or space for social relations
The ABS definition of homelessness, is informed by “Home”lessness and not rooflessness. It emphasises the core elements of a home as including a sense of security, privacy, safety and the ability to control living space
Primary homelessness:
is experienced by people without conventional accommodation. This includes people living on the streets, in squats, sleeping rough or in improvised dwellings. This aligns with the first part of the definition of homelessness (in a dwelling that is inadequate).
Secondary homelessness:
is experienced by people who frequently move from one temporary shelter to another, such as emergency accommodation, youth refuges or ‘couch surfing’. This aligns with the second part of the definitions of homelessness (has no tenure, or the tenure is short and not extendable).
Tertiary homelessness:
is experienced by people staying in accommodation that is below minimum community standards, such as some boarding housing and caravan parks. This aligns with the third part of homelessness (does not allow for space for social relations).
Causes of homelessness result from the complex interaction of structural factors and individual capacities. Key structural factors include:
access to affordable housing
issues of poverty and unemployment
range of interpersonal and individual factors also play a role, such as behavioural disorders (including mental health and substance abuse problems), domestic and family violence and impoverished social networks.
Some of the issues that face parents in homeless families are:
humiliation,
isolation, and
fear of child protection intervention.
The resultant impact of housing stress on well-being can be significant.
With a large portion of the family’s income going on housing costs, people must reduce their food costs, which can result in poorer nutrition.
Additionally, families can’t afford to take holidays and have little or no savings to fall back on.
This makes them prey to high interest, no deposit loans, which will prove a further burden on making ends meet.
Credit card debt may soar, as families may have no choice but to use a credit card to meet the shortfall in expenses.
Unexpected health problems or the loss of an income due to sickness or sudden unemployment can be devastating for families experiencing housing stress.
Taking this stance when considering homelessness, you would argue that issues beyond people’s control are primarily responsible. For example:
Limitations in the labour market
Lack of appropriate supported housing options
Low Centrelink payments
There is a strong link between being on a pension and homelessness. Adults who had been homeless were twice as likely to report their main source of income as being a government pension or allowance (48%) compared with the broader population . The low rates of some income support payments (ie; Jobseeker) entrench poverty and fail to provide an income that covers even basic needs.
Policies addressing structural disadvantage would focus on (for example):
Supporting preventative universal strategies to promote safe, healthy families and communities including addressing family stress, cultural needs and access to affordable health care
Engaging all Australians in education and meaningful employment taking into account diverse skills and capacities
Providing affordable low cost housing (especially to persons with health issues)
Reading: Loose Moorings: Debate and Directions in Australian Housing PolicyLinks to an external site., Miller and Orchard (2014)
This chapter critically examines the evolving landscape of Australian housing policy, highlighting how shifting political ideologies and economic strategies have led to instability—referred to as “loose moorings”—in the housing system. Orchard argues that the dominance of neoliberal approaches has undermined equitable access to housing and calls for a reinvigoration of social democratic principles to address contemporary challenges.
cambridge.org
Key Points
1. Dominance of Market-Driven Approaches
Australian housing policy has increasingly favored market mechanisms, emphasizing home ownership and private rental markets.
Public and social housing have been marginalized, with ownership rates in 2011 at 67%, private rentals at 25%, and public/social housing at just 5% .
cambridge.org
- Impact of Neoliberal Ideology
Neoliberalism has promoted deregulation, reduced government intervention, and prioritized individual responsibility, leading to decreased public investment in housing.
Tax policies like negative gearing and capital gains tax concessions have inflated housing prices, exacerbating affordability issues .
bristoluniversitypressdigital.com
- Challenges in Housing Affordability and Supply
High housing costs and limited affordable options have disproportionately affected low-income individuals and families.
The supply of affordable housing has not kept pace with demand, partly due to policy decisions favoring private development over public housing initiatives.
- Need for Policy Reorientation
Orchard advocates for a shift towards social democratic policies that emphasize the public good, including increased public investment in housing and stronger regulatory frameworks.
He suggests that a balanced approach, integrating both market and non-market solutions, is essential for addressing housing inequities .
Conclusion
The chapter concludes that Australia’s housing policy requires a fundamental rethinking to address the “loose moorings” caused by neoliberal dominance. Reasserting social democratic values and increasing public sector involvement are crucial steps toward creating a more equitable and stable housing system.
