Coronavirus has shown the speed and ease in which governments can act when faced with a crisis, which raises the question - why weren't actions to prevent homelessness taken earlier?
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Beyond Housing's chief executive Celia Adams said since the COVID-19 pandemic begun both the state and federal government have stepped up, increasing benefits and ensuring residents don't become homeless.
"What we've seen across the country is the swiftness in which government can act to put in place a safety net for people - whether that's landlords, whether that's tenants, whether that's Job Seekers," she said.
"Homelessness is a crisis in this country and has been for a really long time so if we can do this now, and we can do it so quickly, why haven't we done it before?"
The National Cabinet previously announced a temporary ban on rent increases and evictions for non-payment for the next six months.
IN OTHER NEWS:
About $80 million will help support renters still in hardship even after negotiating a reduction. Ms Adams welcomed the measures.
"It's going to help keep people safe in their homes for the next six months," she said. "It's hard to isolate and participate in isolation measures if you don't have somewhere to stay, so it protects an individual but also the public health of our community.
"It's not a free pass to not pay your rent but it is is an opportunity to engage with your landlord and reach an agreement if you've experienced financial loss due to coronavirus."
Ms Adams said the dispute resolution process was essential and she was pleased there were no citizenship or permanent residency requirements.
Ms Adams said faced with a slowing economy and predictions of a recession, it would be great to see the government invest in housing and the construction industry, as they did in 2009.
"I don't know I really mind what the catalyst is or what the intention is - whether the intention is about stimulating the economy or whether the intention is about housing people - if the outcome is the same," she said.
"I hope we can find some housing solutions for the most vulnerable in our community."