Opened the debate
Pocock argued that older women are among the fastest-growing groups experiencing poverty and homelessness, with those over 55 being eight times more likely to be homeless than other groups. Pocock cited a report confirming that 35 per cent of older women live in unaffordable, poor-quality private rentals, a disparity stemming from lifelong disadvantages such as the gender pay gap and caring responsibilities. Pocock linked housing insecurity directly to safety, noting that unstable housing traps women in abusive relationships and that domestic violence affects women of all ages. Pocock criticised the government for failing to include a dedicated funding stream for older women in the Housing Australia Future Fund. Pocock called for targeted, gender-responsive investments, increased public housing, and tax reforms to support this marginalised group.