The residualisation of social housing in Australia and its impacts on older tenants

Abstract

Social housing, although it is a small part of Australia’s housing stock, has historically played a vital role in accommodating low-income families. This chapter, drawing on 45 in-depth interviews with older social housing tenants. It first briefly outlines the shifts in the policies of successive Australian federal governments towards social housing and the positive impact that the provision of affordable, secure and adequate housing often has on the capabilities and health of residents. The final section and bulk of the chapter, investigates the residualisation of social housing and its impact on residents.