February Housing Update

City Limits

This housing week, Zeb and Kevin chat with Shane McGrath (Retirement Housing Worker at HAAG and 3CR Broadcaster on Raise the Roof) and later with Cathryn Murdoch (Defend and Extend Public Housing and PH tenant). Shane discusses the closing of the John Curtin Hotel, the interim report of the Social Housing Regulation Review, the ongoing case for public over social housing from a financial perspective, the state government offloading homelessness services to the private sector, stories of radical direct housing action in the 70s, and the Barak Beacon housing estate in Port Melbourne currently facing "renewal". Cathryn joins us to discuss the grim reality that homelessness kills, and the memorial which was held with the crowdfunded and volunteer-run organisation From Us 2 U ("vote" for them to raise funds here). She also speaks to the issue of a severe lack of funding towards public housing by the Victorian Government while funds are diverted towards profitable prison systems and extremely predatory policing targeting vulnerable communities. The fundraiser for Paul Silva, David Dungay Jr's nephew, who is seeking justice and accountability for his family, can be found here. You can also attend the weekly vigils with Public Housing - Everybody's Business every Thursday from 12-1pm on the steps of Parliament House (Vic).