Workers launch affordable housing campaign across Newcastle, Hunter and Central Coast

newy.com.au – More than 100 retail, fast-food and warehouse workplace representatives from across Newcastle, the Hunter and the Central Coast have gathered to launch a campaign calling for affordable housing in the region.

The campaign, titled A fair go starts with a home, is being coordinated by the SDA Newcastle and Northern Branch, the union representing retail, fast-food and warehouse workers. Its demands include more social housing in the region, including increased social housing in the new Broadmeadow development, real affordable homes for low-paid workers, and faster housing delivery.

SDA Newcastle and Northern Branch secretary David Bliss said housing stress was hitting people across the country, but lower-paid essential workers in Newcastle, the Hunter and the Central Coast were under particular pressure.

“Our essential workers keep Newcastle, the Hunter and the Central Coast running, but many can’t afford to live here,” Mr Bliss said.

“Rents are soaring, home ownership is out of reach, and social housing waitlists stretch for years.”

“We’ve got workers are forced to commute hours, share overcrowded homes, couch-surf or live in constant stress – all to hold down jobs vital to the community.”

Mr Bliss said essential workers were being pushed out of the communities they served and called on the NSW Government to direct funding to the region.

“These workers are essential, yet they’re being pushed out of the communities they serve every day. It’s not fair, and it’s not sustainable,” he said.

“The NSW Government must act now to deliver our fair share of the $6.6 billion it has committed to tackling the housing crisis. If the measure of a fair society is delivering on human rights like basic shelter, then successive State and Federal governments over the last 25 years have failed miserably, locking out an entire generation from a safe and affordable roof over their head.

“We cannot afford to squander opportunities like the Broadmeadow redevelopment.”

As part of the campaign, the union is urging workers and community members to share their stories of housing stress and to email local MPs to demand action.