WA Public Housing Lacks Basic Climate Control

Kieran Wong, Partner at The Fulcrum Agency, contributed to a recent article about the significant climate challenges faced by low-income residents in the north of Western Australia due to the lack of proper cooling and insulation in public housing.

Kieran argued that mandatory air conditioning and home retrofitting are required to improve tenants’ living conditions. As he states, “improving tenants’ lives is in the government’s best interests” – not just from a housing perspective but also in terms of impacts on public health, the justice system, and education. Critically, he advocates for the government to plan renewable energy installation, particularly solar power, to help offset cooling costs for residents.

Policymakers must address the impact of the climate crisis on our most vulnerable populations and prioritising upgrading public housing is a good place to start.