Arabic version: وفاة شيخ السكان الأصليين تسلط الضوء على أزمة الإسكان في غرب أستراليا

An Indigenous elder undergoing cancer treatment died after spending nearly three years sleeping in cars and on sofas while waiting for public housing in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Western Australia. His family reported that he faced significant stress due to inadequate living conditions.

The Wongatha man, known as Mr. McIntyre for cultural reasons, died in Kalgoorlie-Boulder on February 6 after battling emphysema and lung cancer. According to ABC News, he spent his final days at his niece’s home, relying on oxygen tanks for breathing.

WA’s Department of Housing and Works confirmed Mr. McIntyre was “priority listed” for one-bedroom seniors’ accommodation in July 2023. His daughter, Patricia Blowes, expressed anger over the fact that her father had been couch surfing despite his “priority” status. She noted that their living arrangements had caused him significant distress, which ultimately affected his health.

The Goldfields Indigenous Housing Organisation reported a backlog of nearly 400 people on the waiting list for housing. Chief executive Marelda Tucker stated that the current wait time for housing could extend from seven to ten years. Advocates are calling for urgent action to refurbish the numerous boarded-up houses in the area, as overcrowding and homelessness continue to be pressing issues.

Betsy Buchanan, a housing advocate, described Mr. McIntyre’s death as a “completely avoidable tragedy,” highlighting the large number of vacant public houses in the Goldfields region. Despite some recent additions to the housing stock, more than 15 percent of public housing remains unoccupied, with many homes awaiting repairs or new tenants. Blowes has urged the government to address the situation and prioritize the refurbishment of available properties.