Jennifer talks with Katelyn Butterss, CEO of the Victorian Public Tenants Association (VPTA) about what is happening with the demolition of public housing towers, and public housing in general.
Katelyn begins by explaining the difference between public housing and community housing, While there is a place for community housing as part of the housing mix, public housing is cheaper, more secure and more protective of human rights. Research has shown it is important for housing the most vulnerable and preventing homelessness.
Katelyn and Jennifer discuss the folly of selling off public land to private developers to redevelop the public housing towers - evidently for very little gain. Nevertheless the detail of the Victorian Government's plans are vague at this point, giving some hope for activists that it might change course.
Links:
Jennifer Borrell & Jacques Boulet