As temperatures soar in Victoria and across much of Australia, intensifying heatwaves are highlighting stark differences in people’s ability to keep their homes safe and liveable, with experts warning that housing quality is increasingly shaping health outcomes.
Swinburne housing expert Professor Wendy Stone says extreme heat and cold can have serious health consequences, particularly for people with pre-existing conditions, the very young, and older Australians.
“As temperatures rise, residents have vastly different capacity to modify their homes to ensure safety and comfort. Hot and cold weather can lead to serious health impacts, especially for those already vulnerable,” Professor Stone says.
“Victoria has some of the leading standards when it comes to cooling and heating requirements in the private rental sector. Recent changes will see cooling systems made mandatory by early 2027, alongside requirements for effective insulation and weatherproofing, such as door and window seals.
“However, there remains significant discrepancy in the ability of renters and homeowners to modify their dwellings to keep them liveable, safe and healthy, despite these residential tenancy directions.
“Housing is a health infrastructure. Standards for all new buildings, and the retrofitting of existing homes, must ensure dwellings can stay cool in hot weather, be heated effectively in cooler conditions, and remain liveable year-round, no matter the legal arrangement of residents.”
Professor Stone says extreme weather becoming more frequent underscores the urgent need for consistent housing standards that prioritise health, safety and climate resilience.
