Fiona Smith reflects on public housing system as political leaders trade barbs

“It’s a necessity, privilege and a right all in one.” Public housing tenant philosophical as political leaders trade barbs over region’s crisis.

Having lived in public housing for the last 12 years, Fiona Smith knows a thing or two about the system.

As a single mother of four Ms Smith says she spent a Christmas in a hotel before being taken off the waiting list and able to move into a home.

But the Toormina resident is well aware of the conflicts that exist within a system that is struggling to keep up and recognised the time she spent in the queue was vastly different to others.

Her perspective has also been influenced by her time working with Coffs Harbour charity Hope 4 the Homeless.

“If you are a single mother with kids you are above a (two parent) family with kids,” she said.

“But how come I speak to some people and ... they are waiting 10 years to get accommodation?”

Fiona Smith at her home in Toormina. The mother of four has an interesting perspective on public housing, as both a recipient and having worked with Hope 4 the Homeless in Coffs Harbour. Photo: Tim Jarrett

The long wait for public housing is well known and the latest figures show there were almost 800 people in Coffs Harbour waiting for a permanent home by the end of June, 2020.

War of words

That wait sparked a political stoush following comments by Coffs Harbour MP Gurmesh Singh in which he referred to public housing in NSW as a “privilege we give to certain people who are disadvantaged”.

The use of the word ‘privilege’ prompted criticism from former Labor state election candidate, turned Mayoral candidate, Tony Judge, who said he was “saddened and outraged”.

“Shelter is one of the most basic human needs,” he said. “The fact that he and the Government he represents sees it as a privilege goes a long way to explaining how we got to a place where we have a 10-year wait for housing.”

“We can afford housing for everyone. It just takes commitment by governments. That starts with acknowledging that shelter is a basic human right, not a privilege.”

Tony Judge, Labor candidate in the Coffs Harbour City Council elections.

Mr Singh responded by saying his comments had been “intentionally” taken out of context by Mr Judge in an attempt to “politicise” a serious issue.

“Events overseas in recent times prove we are indeed very privileged and fortunate to live in New South Wales, and that our governments at all levels can provide services for their citizens.

“Housing is a complex issue and social housing even more so. The State Government is working with Coffs Harbour City Council and other stakeholders to increase and improve our social housing stock.

“If this is the level of discourse we can expect from council candidates, I’m disappointed it’s turned grubby.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Coffs Harbour MP Gurmesh Singh at Sealy Lookout, Coffs Harbour. Photo: Tim Jarrett

However, Ms Smith was more philosophical.

Reflecting on teaching her kids the importance of appreciating what they had, Ms Smith recognised there were some people who, by their own actions, might have “lost that privilege” after securing a house.

But added that she still didn’t like the term “because (housing) is a necessity.”

“Everybody should be able to say ‘this is my home’,” she said.

“When you are given something that is a privilege but housing is a right. Everyone has a right to have a roof over their head.

“It’s a necessity, privilege and a right all in one.”

Stigma on social housing remains

Despite the issue of homelessness impacting an ever growing number of people, Ms Smith said there still existed a stigma around people in public housing.

Fiona Smith at her home in Toormina she says public housing tenants should be given the same amount of respect as those who own or rent privately. Photo: Tim Jarrett

The idea that people in public housing were drug addicts, alcoholics or had done something wrong was evident in people’s attitudes and Ms Smith said she could get angry when reading people’s comments on social media. Particularly about her own area.

“I am a single mum who does whatever she can for her kids and that is providing a home, as well as I can, under the circumstances,” she said.

“I pay my rent, I pay my electricity, I pay my bills, and I look after the home like my neighbours (who own or rent privately) do. Why am I not given the same respect?

“All people need the same amount of respect.”