Tweet of the day: Jonathan Shapiera at the affordable housing inquiry
Today, Jonathan Shapiera has told the affordable housing inquiry about his life as a person experiencing homelessness.
Shapiera and several other people in his area who are homeless have made a submission to the Standing Senate Committe on Economics: Affordable Housing Inquiry. In it, he describes living in his car with his son, his employer's lack of understanding and encountering other people without homes experiencing mental health issues.
The submission also raises the lack of available affordable housing in mining areas.
"Mining areas in Australia are the worst affected when it comes to affordable living conditions. The author relocated to Darwin in November 2011 for employment on the eHealth project after completion of a contract with a company in Brisbane," reads the submission.
"Rentals and sales at the time were at a “practical price” for employed personal. The announcement of the ICTHYS project to Darwin saw rental prices go through the roof. A one bedroom city based flat prior to ICTHYS was listed at $195 per week. After the ICTHYS announcement it went to $385 per week. The benefit of mining to the country has a hazardous effect to local residents."
The South West Australian Homeless People's full submission can be read here.
Western Australian Labor Senator Sue Lines, who is at the affordable housing inquiry, tweeted a picture of Jonathan Shapiera speaking at the inquiry today.
