MEDIA RELEASE
Thursday, 6 August 2020
Housing stress and homelessness are continuing issues in Queensland and a growing issue for older people.
Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland’s peak organisation for seniors is calling for the Queensland Government to urgently address the housing crisis for older Queenslanders as part of the COVID economic recovery.
Mark Tucker-Evans COTA Queensland’s Chief Executive said that new reports have once again highlighted the urgent need for action on housing.
“All Queenslanders should have access to adequate, appropriate housing that they can afford and that supports their wellbeing.” Mr Tucker-Evans said.
“Too many Queenslanders are facing the terrifying reality of spending their later life without a home.”
“Many older people are struggling and doing without the daily essentials of life such as food, heating, medications, and care to ensure they keep a roof over their head.”
The latest figures continue to show that older people, and particularly older women, are a growing group experiencing homelessness or are in insecure housing and are at risk of being homeless.
Mr Tucker-Evans said that while there is a range of circumstances that increase people’s vulnerability, the lack of affordable and appropriate housing leaves many older Queenslanders in precarious situations.
“The COVID pandemic has shone a spotlight on the importance of a good housing system and of good homes for the health and wellbeing of all Queenslanders.”
“We welcome the investment the Queensland Government has made in social housing as part of the construction stimulus, but it’s simply not enough. We need immediate and significant investment in social and affordable housing, as part of a comprehensive homelessness strategy for our state.”
“Building and renovating social and affordable housing and helping people into stable homes has multiple benefits. With the focus of the road to recovery on creating jobs through construction and infrastructure, this is the ideal time to invest in a better future for us all as we age.”
