September 17th, 2024
In a sharp criticism issued yesterday, Tamatha Paul, the Green Party's spokesperson on housing, accused the coalition government of exacerbating poverty and trauma among vulnerable communities through its policy on state housing.
According to Paul, the government's recent announcement to evict more state housing tenants—despite the lack of alternative housing options—represents a continued assault on those most in need of support.
The big picture: A policy of punishment
Paul's statement outlined a grim view of the government's approach, suggesting it aims to segregate the poor into undeserving categories, thereby ignoring the broader consequences of poverty. "In true National Party fashion, the Government is seeking to define a category of undeserving poor people. Ignorant to the consequences of poverty, people living in state housing are now in the Government’s firing line," Paul said.
Zoom in: The impact on state housing tenants
The move to evict more tenants comes at a time when the government is also reducing benefits and the incomes of already struggling households, making it even harder for those affected to pay rent or find affordable housing elsewhere.
"It is particularly cruel for the Government to look to punish state housing tenants for struggling to pay rent at a time when it is actively reducing benefits and the income of struggling households," she added.
What they're saying: Housing as a fundamental right
Paul emphasises housing as a basic human right and a foundational element for individuals to reach their potential, raise a family, and secure stable income. She argues that the solution lies in building more affordable public houses and lifting incomes to livable levels, citing the Green Party's campaign promise to build 35,000 new homes over the next five years.
Why it matters: The consequences of neglect
The statement highlighted the potential for increased homelessness and social deprivation if the government continues to deny housing based on perceived unworthiness. Paul calls for an immediate shift in policy towards increasing the housing stock and improving tenant treatment, a stark contrast to what she views as the current politics of punishment employed by the coalition.
The bottom line: A call for change
Tamatha Paul's criticism of the coalition government's housing policy serves as a call to action to end practices that she believes cause irreparable damage to communities.
"This politics of punishment from the coalition must come to an end before it does irreparable damage to communities who have historically been let down, time and time again, by successive Governments," she said, urging for a commitment to building more homes and supporting those in need.