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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Cait Kelly Inequality reporter

Alice lives off-grid, but not by choice. ‘Hecs for households’ could radically improve her dilapidated home

Naomi Electricity Janet Kristin OConnell Mikey Simon Quilty
Alice Underwood seen in the dilapidated home she co-owns with her mother in Yarra Junction, Victoria, Australia
Alice Underwood’s sole income is the disability support pension so she cannot afford to fix the home she shares with her mother. Photograph: Christopher Hopkins/The Guardian

On the side of Alice Underwood’s house is a list of things she wants written in chalk. “Shower. Electricity” are at the top, in bright red. “Flowers. Berries” follow.

Alice is 32 years old. For most of her life she has lived without running water, electricity or even a fridge – but not by choice.

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