The fight for quality housing is political |
Duncan Roden, a member of Socialist Alliance, delivered this speech to a protest called by Better Futures Coalition and Action for Public Housing on December 14.
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I’m a resident of 50–52 Warren Road. I’ve lived in Marrickville for 6 years and in the Inner West (IW) for about 15 years. I’ve been at Warren Rd for about one and a half years.
It took me several months to find that place — a suitable, affordable apartment. The rents being demanded for low-quality shoeboxes are not just absurd, they are demeaning.
It says a lot about how our capitalist society views our human dignity and our basic right to shelter.
So, I was shocked when, several months ago, I came home from work and saw a development application posted on our front gate. I now face the prospect of going through the house hunt again, knowing this time the market would probably be even worse than before.
I’m not just concerned for myself.
I know at least one senior resident who has been there at least 10 years. He and another senior resident have lived in the IW their entire lives; their family, friends, support networks are all here. Would they be able to find another place in this area?
The people living in my apartment block are students, essential workers and young........