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. Productivity Commission research
The Productivity Commission released a report today 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. We will be providing further insights and comment on the Productivity Commission research report soon via Shelter NSW blog. In the meantime you can follow us on Twitter. |
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. We have prepared a brief summary outlining the main findings and implications for reform in housing and planning policy. Read our Shelter NSW update or access the full research report. Councils' Local Strategic Planning StatementsWondering what your local council is thinking about the challenge of housing affordability, now and into the future?
Recent changes to NSW planning law require each council to prepare a 20 year vision for land use, called a Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS). This is part of a longer-term review of Local Environmental Plans that should lead to the implementation of Affordable Rental Housing Targets. For the 33 Greater Sydney based councils, the Greater Sydney Commission requires a Local Housing Strategy to be developed as well. The LSPS will give us some clues as to what each council's housing strategy will include, and just how seriously they are taking the challenges of affordable housing. Sydney based councils need to have their LSPS on exhibition for public feedback - for a minimum of 28 days - by October 1st 2019. Many of them have already started the process. Help us keep track of what your local council is planning! Click here to read about our principles for Local Strategic Planning Statements, and to find out where your local council is up to with the LSPS-making process. Let us know if you're planning to give them some feedback. |
"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