If policy makers are serious about addressing violence against women, then the lack of housing options also needs to be addressed. Policy makers cannot keep their ‘heads in the sand’ while victims in crisis bounce from one service to another, each with the same devastating offering: “I’m so sorry but this is all we can do.” It is not good enough.

Haven Home Safe has joined five other not-for-profit organisations to write a letter showing our support of equality and justice ahead of the upcoming referendum.

News that the Federal Government’s $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund is set to pass parliament has been welcomed by the sector. Haven Home Safe CEO Trudi Ray has shared some insights regarding what needed in regional Victoria and how we can come together to deliver housing on the ground.

The lack of housing in our regional and rural areas should command more attention from policy makers as the flow-on effects are stymieing the economic room of growth and development that is regional Australia.

This issue of Parity, looking at the role of community housing in responding to homelessness and housing stress in regional, rural and remote Australia, speaks to the unique challenges faced by the seven million people living outside of our major capital cities.

Whilst we appreciate the need for negotiations to achieve greater outcomes and impact, it shouldn't come at the cost of building a pipeline of supply. Delays in decision making are delays in getting funding and programs out the door.