Housing change concerns tenants
WHILE the State Government's social housing reforms will be a much needed kick in the pants for some, there are others who may have a good reason to worry.
For most of his life, 54-year-old Peter Williams was a hard-working father who lived comfortably on his earnings.
Unfortunately Peter's life took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and deemed unfit to work.
From there he was forced to seek the help of public housing to provide a roof for himself and his teenage son. He now pays $180 a fortnight in rent.
"My son was 15 at the time, we needed the support, he said.
"I hadn't planned to retire at 45 years old. It's been eight years living here now."
Since then Peter has experienced his eighth return of cancer and his body is ridden with osteoarthritis, which has left him relying on medication to help him with mobility and adjusting his home to accommodate his needs.
"When you're disabled you create habits in your home around your disability. It takes time to work out how to get in the bath and do all the things an able bodied person can do," he said.
To keep his mind active, Peter studies a Bachelor of Business and attends classes twice a week.
His son has since grown up and moved on with a family of his own while Peter still calls the dwelling home.
"I look at this place as our home. I planned to be here until I die," he said.
When Peter realised he would be there for the long haul he added a pet - CJ the dog - to the household. If moved CJ may be forced to find another home.
"When I first moved in it was a barebones three-bedroom house with concrete floors and no additions, it wasn't inviting at all."
Last month Peter received a letter from the department of Housing and Public Works saying it proposed to relocate those who under-occupy public housing or move in additional tenants to occupy rooms.
Due to his situation, Peter said he would not feel comfortable living with people he did not know and did not want to move as he was well adjusted to his home. He also has a carer who comes to stay with him who he must be able to accommodate.
"Everyone is different and has their own personal habits, to have somebody new come in is difficult. I don't know them and I don't know their honesty," he said.
"I have history here and it has allowed me to develop an adequate amount of social support with my neighbours so I feel safe in my own home. Move me to a new place where I know no one I would not feel safe and would have no one to call on if I needed assistance.
"I do have a definite concern for those people who do not have housing. It saddens me to see people living under trees and I really feel the government should do what governments are supposed to do and look after the community instead of having a tough luck if it doesn't suit you attitude."
While Peter said he was happy to pay a small increase to be able to stay in his home, he questioned how the government would decide the fate of those already in public housing.
"Everyone is individual in their requirements and cannot be dealt with in block assumptions," he said.
"It's all well and good to ask people to move but many are too old or feeble and most would not have the money for the expense of relocation."
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