ROSEMARY LEVIN - ANIMAL JUSTICE PARTY - KNOX

ROSEMARY LAVIN RESPONDS TO OUR REPORT CARD.

1. Do you support Public Housing as an integral part of the housing mix?

A.Most certainly, especially as we attempt to recover from a debilitating pandemic which has left many more homeless, bewildered and frightened.

2. In Victoria, Public Housing as distinct from Community Housing, makes up 2.7% of all housing.
  Is this too high? Is this too low?

A. 2.7% is too low.  According to a Knox City Council report from 2016, Knox had ~24% homeless people per 10,000 population. The figure would be much higher now.  This is a matter requiring the most urgent attention as it affects many children as well as many more vulnerable people with mental illness, the aged, those escaping domestic violence and so on.

3. Is Public Housing the best model for preventing and addressing homelessness?

A. There are many causes of homelessness: affordable housing, family violence and mental illness being the main ones made up of asylum seekers, refugees, indigenous people and women (especially those over 55 years of age). There are also ex-prisoners and young adults leaving state care needing assistance.  Every person listed is in a state of vulnerability that needs more, not less, care.
 
Public housing is vital but, as this report shows, there is a desperate need for various other support programs as well.  I would like to see more use of half-way houses, for those leaving prisons, state care and for those with mental health concerns.

The report calls for a legislative change to increase the age of those leaving state care - there could also be a call for foster care for young adults transitioning from state care to independence.

All levels of government need to address all of these issues which will require a great deal of funding, but the benefits will outweigh the cost.    

I would also like to see more dialogue with those in need to hear what they need, their dreams and wishes. I say this because I believe there is room for eco-friendly solutions such as tiny houses which will cost less, be less environmentally destructive and could be set up as a communal situation with a communal vegetable garden that will not only sustain those living there but could also become a minor source of income. We all know the benefits of gardening, especially for those who are lonely, dealing with mental health difficulties and so on.

4. Have you or anyone in your family or friendship circle ever been homeless?

A. I have known many homeless people coming from South Africa and as a teacher in Fish Hoek, Cape Town. My home was situated between 2 "townships".  While many children I taught lived in these townships, I would never call their living conditions a home. Other than that I have only witnessed those doing it rough in various cities I have lived in.  It is heartbreaking to witness and leaves me feeling helpless, guilty, sad, frustrated and angry.  The SBS program "Filthy rich and homeless" was a great educational and eye opening series which should be compulsory viewing for all politicians!

5. Do you think the language regarding the various housing models should be more transparent?

I absolutely think the language regarding housing models should be transparent.  There should be no profits being made by pretending to be one thing when in fact this is untrue. Where there is no transparency there will be corruption which has no place in a decent society, one we all aspire to live in.

6. Do you think the issue of Public Housing versus Community Housing has been sufficiently discussed in the public domain?

A. No, I most definitely do not believe this issue has been discussed at all.  I realise that public housing is state owned while community housing is run by a not-for-profit organisation but I think your email highlights the fact that most people (I believe) think both are one and the same.  There definitely needs more public education regarding the differences in these terms and what the ultimate benefits for the homeless are and where there is great need for change.

7. Should public tenants and those eligible for public housing be sufficiently informed of the differences between  Community and Public Housing and of their rights and protections?

Without a doubt. I believe there is a great need for improved support services regarding information, legal assistance, welfare checks, carers, vet checks for their companion animals, assistance with food, clothing, toiletries, bedding etc.

I would like to see "Meals on Wheels" to include food for companion animals and as many public housing facilities as possible to accommodate companion animals too.

8. Do you oppose the transferring of Public Housing stock to Community Housing corporations?
 

I do oppose this sort of transfer as it removes state responsibility and transfers the responsibility to not-for-profit organisations.  The costing will then be impacted and affordability, eligibility and legal parameters changed.  The state needs to keep ownership of existing public housing and put more funding into creating more options state wide.  

9. Do you support a significant build of Public Housing in your area to address homelessness?

I do support a significant build of public housing in my area as long as the buildings are much more eco-friendly, environmentally conscious and blend in with the surroundings. I believe public housing needs more, not less, green areas where tenants can grow communal vegetable gardens, wall gardens, roof gardens and similar variations.

10. Would public land that is being earmarked for private and 'Social Housing’ be better utilised for Public Housing?
 

A. As we know, homelessness is on the increase and there is already insufficient public housing so I do believe that public land earmarked for private and "social housing" would be better utilised for public housing. 

Further comments welcomed and will be published.

"Thank you for bringing these injustices to my attention.  I am always appalled at any lack of care given to vulnerable communities, where their needs and voices are ignored and unheard.  As a result of the information you have given me, I most certainly will support any efforts to improve council support for these most vulnerable people and their companion animals, should they have any.

 
Thank you for clarifying this issue for me and for allowing me to respond to your questions. I am extremely concerned with the biodiversity crisis we are facing and would like all future development projects to protect existing ecosystems and build sensitively within the natural surroundings.  Whether elected or not, I will be paying close attention to proposed developments in Knox and will enquire about public housing wherever possible while also ensuring the health of other vulnerable residents, companion animals and our urban wildlife, is also taken into account.

Yours sincerely,

Rosemary Lavin
Animal Justice Party Committee Member
Candidate for Dinsdale Ward, Knox City Council
"I'm giving my vote to the animals"

 Thanks from

Friends of Public Housing Vic

Defend and Extend Public Housing

Hands Off Public Housing