My last private members statement for this Parliamentary term focussed on the increasing number of people over 55 becoming homeless, especially women. Facing housing insecurity or homelessness is challenging at any age but for older citizens the impact can be severe and directly affect health. Waiting times of 10+ years mean people may die before they are allocated an affordable home.

I have called on the Government to lower the age for priority social housing from 80 years to 55 and introduce a specialist support model like the Victorian Home at Last service to ensure people get the support they need to prevent homelessness. I called on the Government to urgently adopt all the recommendations of the parliamentary inquiry into homelessness among older people and increase the affordable housing stock. Secure housing is the first line of defence in ensuring the health and wellbeing of older people. My speech > HERE.