HOUSING CRISIS HELP
Giving a voice to the homeless
THE space the Mercury is devoting to the issue of homelessness is to be commended. The fact that several homeless people have been given space to present the issue from their perspective is highly significant. A long time ago, some cynics who worked in the community sector used to say it was no use telling ministers there was a need for action on such issues because we were really just advocating for more funding for the services we worked in (feathering our own nests). At last, individuals from different levels of government with the capacity to actually do something about giving homeless people somewhere safe in the short term, and hopefully somewhere to live in the longer term, will meet to discuss the appalling social situation.
The State Government’s inability to address social issues such as homelessness began long ago when the Department of Social Welfare merged with the Health Department to form the Department of Community Services. It was like mixing oil and water. Professionals presenting issues with a health-related focus tended to be heard more readily, especially when needs related to immediate problems. Matters relating to broader social needs presented by ‘lower-ranking’ welfare workers and social workers seemed to lose traction. It has always been difficult to define social needs in ‘measurable outcomes’, hence difficult to prioritise when competing with health-related proposals. Because of this, issues such as homelessness have tended to slip beneath the radar.
Hopefully we will soon see real action to address the needs of the hundreds of homeless and inadequately housed people. It is good to see our local newspaper realising it has a role in finding a positive outcome. Thank you.
Life can be cruel
I KNOW what it’s like to be outside without a roof over one’s head. I was alone and homeless living rough before my marriage in 1973. Again I found myself homeless after a happy 30 years of marriage. I found it was daunting and draining. Life can be cruel and relentless without people’s sympathy, understanding and help. I could have been left in the cold to die at the mercy of the elements. Homelessness does affect one’s mental health as well, all hope can disappear. After my separation and divorce in 2003 I lived in Canberra. For many years I slept rough, strangers and friends helped me survive. I spent several nights in churches, psychiatric wards and respite shelters. Later I was offered a small one-bedroom flat from ACT Housing and St Vinnies helped me with some basic furniture and kitchen utensils. We must save our homeless people, they are our children, our brothers and sisters.
Care packages
OVER the past week, I have seen our city begin to shine again with the generosity shown to our fellow man. It is wonderful to see individuals, suburbs, churches and Time to ditch housing debt A pity it wasn’t in any of the major party platforms just prior to the last federal election; instead of yet more Northern roads, AFL teams and contributions to Mona expansions. agencies rally in an effort to help the needy. So many generous people have come forward offering their support, their concern, their ideas and indeed, their hope to make a difference. I am in awe of what our agencies are doing. Through their kindness and humanity, their selfless actions are showing their fellow man they are in their thoughts. Every action one can do in this quest shows care, compassion and indeed love for our fellow man. Let us continue to inspire our friends, families and colleagues to support this cause because it is imperative we make a difference. Providing housing seems to be one of the biggest issues. I believe opening discussions, inviting ideas from agencies at the forefront of good works for our vulnerable, and involving the public, will get our government creating feasible solutions.
In the meantime, if each of us can create a Warming Care Package what a difference we can make. Nestle inside a bag, warm socks, toiletries, food hamper, beanie, scarf, coat and blanket, items that can give some comfort. Donating packages to agencies such as Vinnies can help them out immensely and lessen their load. Keep up the good works Hobart.
Wipe the debt
CONSIDERING the Liberal Government has allowed the population of Hobart to explode, not only should it wipe this housing debt but pledge $200 million to $300 million ( Mercury, June 17)! House costs are $200,000-plus, then add $100,000$250,000 for a block and you don’t build many houses. Having a roof over your head is certainly a basic human right.
Making up for bracket creep
THE Government’s tax cuts are simply returning some of the bracket-creep workers have experienced. They will stimulate consumption and economic activity. Labor should recognise the Coalition’s mandate and, in the unlikely event they occupy the treasury benches this side of the third tranche of tax relief scheduled in 2024, legislate to rescind them.
Stray cat fine fan
JACK Paynter’s story regarding heavy fines for people who let their cats stray on Bruny Island gives me hope (“Me … oww! Cat fines cost up to $1680!” Mercury, June 13). This initiative should be extended to the entire state. Cats are an invasive species that have had a devastating effect on Australia’s wildlife since their arrival with European invaders.
Cable car decisions
POWER to approve the cable car lies with the unelected Planning Tribunal, not the elected Hobart City councillors.
Flying pademelons
A WARNING! South Hobart community garden members have told me that pademelons (small wallabies) can jump 169cm fences or crawl under gates 15cm above the ground. Wow, what a wonderful state we live. My property abuts the garden so I am prepared for this wonder of nature as I watch flocks of sulphur-crested cockatoos and blackbirds eat the garden plants. But am advised it is the wallabies.