Written by Brea Dorsett
In today’s progressive Australia, it’s crystal clear: crafting policies without consulting those who’ve lived through the issues is a thing of the past. People with lived experience are the true experts of their own stories. Their unique insights shed light on the complex challenges like homelessness and the housing crisis. It’s a no-brainer to tap into their wisdom to make sure policies acknowledge and respond to the variety of problems people face, rather than just offering quick solutions that lack long-term impact.
As a young person who has faced youth homelessness and grappled with mental health battles, I’ve experienced my fair share of times when my input was sidelined, or my strengths underestimated. But let’s not forget, while my journey holds its own difficulties, I also carry the privilege of being a white cisgender woman. It’s vital to recognise that oppression isn’t one-size-fits-all; it’s tougher for others who face extra layers of challenges.
I think about my time in Year 12, when I was juggling couch surfing while trying to conquer school pressures. Astonishingly, my school advised me to skip my exams – a huge deal for someone aiming for higher education and a brighter future.
Brea Dorsett
The labels “homelessness” and “mental illness” cast doubts on my ability to handle the stress of my end-of-year exams.
Yet, I defied the odds, proving that determination can overcome doubt. Not only did I exceed expectations, but I also secured my dream spot in both my chosen course and university. My journey speaks volumes about the resilience of those with lived experience, showing that we can push forward despite the biases and stigmas that might hold us back.
When it comes to reshaping policies, remember this: people with lived experiences might not have all the answers, but they’ve got the experience. They’ve got the drive to make a change, the insights to identify what needs fixing in the system, and the firsthand knowledge of the barriers they’ve dismantled to escape the cycle of homelessness. They also know what solutions work and which ones fail to make an impact. The winds of change sweeping through progressive Australia are proof that lived experiences hold incredible power in shaping policies. By listening to those who’ve been in the trenches, we open doors to a fairer society where policies are built on empathy and a real understanding of the struggles they aim to tackle. My own journey, entwined with countless others, points the way towards positive change when we value the wisdom that lived experiences bring to the table.
