In an election campaign so far dominated by immigration, mining taxes, education and hospitals, the Benevolent Society has succeeded in getting ‘affordable housing’ and the ‘ageing population’ into the headlines.

A new poll commissioned by the Benevolent Society and conducted by the Galaxy market research company, has found that eight out of 10 people are concerned about the lack of infrastructure and affordable housing to deal with the nation’s growing and ageing population.

The research found that more than 90 per cent of Australians believe that federal and state governments need to do more to deal with funding the shortfall created as the country’s over 65 population doubles while the number of taxpayers to support them halves. 

The Benevolent Society’s CEO Richard Spencer says the organisation was especially struck by the high level of concern demonstrated across all age groups from 18 year olds to over 50 year olds. 

"It’s surprising that 90 per cent of respondents expressed concern about Australia meeting the costs associated with our ageing population, and even more in each age group agreed on the need to create more affordable housing,” said Spencer.

When asked specifically about housing needs for older Australians, 86 per cent said all governments must do more to make sure people can access affordable housing as they get older.

Yet the Benevolent Society’s General Manager, Ageing, Barbara Squires, said there was a need to address an apparent disconnect in the community between the desire for greater affordable housing and the reality of accommodating new development.

“We know that well designed and well located housing - close to services and shops, that enables people to stay in their familiar local neighbourhood - is very, very important to most people,” says Ms Squires.

“However, in many neighbourhoods, this must necessarily involve redevelopment or infill development that is different to existing or previous buildings and land use.   The issues can be extremely sensitive and vocal community opposition can prevent projects going ahead.”

Ms Squires said that while there were different interests to balance in any planning and development, there is a role for governments in showing leadership and helping to educate the community about the importance of well designed, well located and affordable housing, particularly for older people.

“The development of affordable housing often hits opposition because people have preconceived ideas about it,” says Squires.

“But really, many people -  teachers, nurses, police officers, ordinary people across the community - will be glad to know that there is suitable and affordable housing options in their neighbourhood, or at least close by, where they can relocate and remain independent and close to their networks and avoid having to enter a nursing home.”

Professor Peter Phibbs, of the Urban Research Centre at the University of Western Sydney said the findings of the Galaxy research support recent Australian research studies showing that older Australian renters on low incomes are one of the most vulnerable groups in the housing market.

“Researchers would agree with the respondents to the Galaxy survey that all Governments need to do more to provide better housing opportunities for older Australian renters. State Governments can use their land use planning systems to encourage the sorts of affordable housing outcomes that would be suitable for this group,” said Professor Phibbs.