Who we are
Established in 1975, Shelter NSW is the State's peak housing policy and advocacy organisation.
We are independent. We promote social justice. We lead and collaborate. We value expertise and evidence. Interested in the history of housing activism and the birth of Shelter NSW? Download the Champions of Change eBook by Dr Tony Gilmour. Shelter NSW Board appoints a new CEOThe Shelter NSW Board is excited to announce the appointment of John Engeler as our new CEO, who will commence on Monday 3 February 2020. John was a successful candidate in a strong field of impressive applicants, and he is passionate about creating better housing outcomes for those in need across NSW.
John’s background includes senior executive roles in housing and accommodation services, most recently in the Aged Care sector, and before that in the Community Housing Sector. He also worked at the NSW Department of Housing in the early part of his career. He has postgraduate qualifications in Law and Urban and Regional Planning. We look forward to working with John as he has many great ideas about how Shelter NSW can progress our vision of A Secure Home for all. Once John is on board and has found his feet', I'm sure he will get in touch and share his hopes and aspirations on the future of Shelter NSW. In the meantime, along with my fellow board members, I am thrilled to share the news of John’s appointment with you. Liz Yeo, Chairperson of Shelter NSW, on behalf of the Shelter Board. Shelter NSW latest research: An overview of the Boarding Houses Sector“Boarding houses in NSW: Growth, change and implications for equitable density” by Chris Martin of City Futures Research Centre for Shelter NSW is the most comprehensive overview of the boarding houses sector in NSW published since the introduction of the Boarding Houses Act 2012 and the State Environmental Planning Policy (Affordable Rental Housing) 2009 (AHSEPP).
The report discusses what a boarding house is - considering a range of perspectives including legal, as a built form, the size of the sector and the profile of its residents. It also offers important policy implication insights that informed Shelter NSW's submission to the statutory review of the Boarding Houses Act 2012. We have prepared a brief summary outlining the main findings and implications for reform in housing and planning policy. Read our Shelter NSW update, access the full research report or our submission to the Boarding Houses Act 2012 review. |
Covid-19: Shelter NSW responseIn light of the outbreak of Covid-19 and the global health and economic crises, Shelter NSW has put in place contingency measures to continue operations while meeting physical distancing requirements.
Our staff are now working remotely where we will monitor and respond to policy developments as the COVID-19 crises unfold. To contact our office please send us an email at admin@shelternsw.org.au. For more urgent matters or media enquiries, please contact our CEO John Engeler on 0410 402 212. The full list of staff contact details can be found here. For assistance with accommodation, please click here. We encourage everyone to protect and support each other as we see this crisis through. A secure home has never been more important. Stay safe and wash your hands, The Shelter NSW team. Productivity Commission research
The Productivity Commission released a report on 25th September about vulnerable renters in the private rental market. It provides an overview of the private rental market and whether it is delivering good outcomes for renters and in particular vulnerable private renters.
You can access the report here. There are two major findings from the report. First, Commonwealth Rent Assistance has been relatively effective in providing relief for lower income renters, but it has not kept pace with rents in the private rental market. Shelter NSW supports a reform of CRA in line with National Shelter policies. Second, the Productivity Commission acknowledges the impact of 'no grounds' evictions and forced moves on vulnerable renters. It recommends reform of 'no-grounds' evictions in finding 5.3 to prohibit 'no-grounds' and provide longer eviction notices in cases when the tenant is not at fault, such as when the landlord is moving back in. Shelter NSW, along other policy and advocacy organisations since many years, is of the view that 'no grounds' evictions must be reformed to make renting fair. People who rent their homes should have access to a secure, safe, stable home and community. We are pleased to see the Productivity Commission research confirm this. Shelter NSW will continue to engage with NSW Government, in particular as part of the Make Renting Fair campaign, to work towards reform of 'no grounds' evictions and a secure home for all. |
"Many organisations have a clear history, being established on a particular date in a
specified location by a known group of people.
Not so for Shelter, or National Shelter.
Both organisations emerged gradually and informally,
as befit collectives formed by activists keen for change."
Champions of Change by Dr Tony Gilmour