Thread by @erinrileyau

I am still in a number of local Facebook groups across NSW after joining them during the Bushfires/Find A Bed. The thing that is incredibly stark at the moment is the number of people who don’t have housing. One group posted about around 50 families camping on Moruya beach

The local op shops are sold out of warm blankets, so people have been taking them down to the families, who are grateful for them.

How is this not the biggest story in Australia at the moment- it’s being repeated across the country, especially in coastal towns where Air BnB landlords and seachangers are coming with more cash.

Our housing situation is dire, and it is almost entirely due to bad policies that privilege those who already own property. Whether it’s limited development, tax privileges for landlords, or limited regulation of short term rentals, we are failing.

We should build financial disincentives into our system for leaving homes vacant

There are babies- literal babies- living in tents in single degree temperatures, while homes nearby sit empty between holiday makers visits. This is our shame.

Also, journalists should be hopping in the car and going to talk to people and take photos of how they are living (with permission, of course). Make us feel the shame of this.

It’s happening in our area too. Families desperate for homes, able to pay $500+ a week, and there’s just nothing available.