Briefs

Looking at the regional migration data within Australia brings to light the various factors that influence a household's decision to move including employment, study, housing affordability as well as retirement and lifestyle aspirations. Further distinguishing migration data by age cohorts helps identify these various factors over a lifetime.

The Victorian Government recently introduced proposed rental reforms to parliament, including changes to minimum standards for rental properties. The proposed minimum standards include the requirements of a functioning toilet; adequate hot and cold water connections in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry; external windows with functioning locks; a functioning cooktop, oven, sink and food preparation area; and bedrooms and main living areas to have window coverings.

State and commonwealth proposals to build new housing for indigenous families in remote regions should consider the style and design of housing that will best support those families. Providing appropriate social housing for disadvantaged Indigenous Australians in remote areas requires an understanding of the cultural norms and practices of those households.

A campaign called ‘The Home Stretch’, that aims to reduce homelessness by increasing the age young people can stay in foster care to 21, has been successful in South Australia and Tasmania (both have announced plans to extend care) and is now working towards the same reform in Victoria and NSW.

While Australian state and territory governments do not have unified residential tenancy laws, there has been some debate about no grounds evictions and improving security of tenure for renters. The policy debate centres upon finding a fair balance between the rights of property owners to be free to do what they wish with their property, with the rights of tenants who are paying for the service of safe and secure housing (i.e. their home).