Every day, we witness the immense pressure rising living and housing costs place on individuals and families. For our clients already struggling to secure stable housing, these pressures can be devastating. The reality is that the housing crisis is more than a conflict between tenants and landlords. It’s a housing justice issue.
The housing crisis disproportionately affects women, migrant workers, and people escaping violence. Despite outdated stereotypes placing women in the home, women are actually the fastest-growing demographic among homeless Australians. This crisis is inextricably linked to systemic justice issues. Achieving housing justice requires funding to address inequalities across our justice system.
Housing justice is a family violence issue
Many of our clients at South-East Monash Legal Service are women escaping family violence. The housing crisis has compounding impacts on their ability to seek safety for themselves and their children. These women often become single parents with multiple dependents and no stable housing. They’re traumatised and socially isolated without strong support networks to turn to. All too often, these women have also experienced financial abuse, leaving them without income or savings. Reliant on Centrelink income support, their rental applications are often unsuccessful in a competitive market.
Women and children escaping violence are often forced to live in temporary housing while the perpetrator remains in the family home. This puts them at further disadvantage. They frequently end up in unaffordable rental properties, leading to rental arrears and eviction. In many cases, people can only access brokerage for rental arrears once they are 14 days or more behind on rent, and the rent must be less than 55% of their household income. Many women fleeing violence are caretakers or lack financial independence, leaving them ineligible for this help. This systemic lack of support results in poor rental references, making it harder for them to secure affordable housing in the future.
There are cultural and linguistic barriers to housing justice
A large number of our clients at South-East Monash Legal Service are non-English speakers. They’re often overwhelmed by their situations. They face challenges in understanding legal issues and managing their cases due to any number of intersecting traumas. Legal representation and an integrated approach to legal help — including help from social workers — are crucial for these clients to navigate rental arrears and stay in their homes.
How SMLS provides helpful interventions for clients facing housing stress
- Payment Plans: Help clients set up payment plans with real estate agents.
- Financial Relief: Access to brokerage for rental arrears and other financial help to free up income for rent.
- Rental Applications: Support from social workers in making private rental applications.
- Legal Advice: Help in obtaining legal advice on tenancy matters.
- Communication Support: Social work support in communicating with temporary housing providers like WAYSS.
- Legal Advice: Help with legal advice about Family Violence Intervention Orders (FVIOs) to potentially remain in the marital home.
- Financial Counseling: Explore options for financial counselling for clients in debt
- Specialist Housing Services: Connect clients with specialist housing services such as WAYSS and Launch.
- Advocacy: Advocate for changes to unfair laws and legal systems
Without adequate funding, we can’t provide the level of help needed
Without enough resources, many clients and others across Australia will continue to face housing instability and poor living conditions, which have broad negative impacts on women and our community. Addressing housing justice will improve individuals’ lives, promote community stability, and support overall economic growth in Australia.
For more on SMLS’ advocacy work, see our recent policy submissions:
