Independent Review hands down report on Victoria’s public and community housing system Tuesday 28 December 2021
The Social Housing Regulation Review (Review) has handed down its interim report looking at the regulation of Victoria’s public and community housing system.
The Review comprises three independent panel members appointed by Assistant Treasurer The Hon Danny Pearson MP and Minister for Housing The Hon Richard Wynne MP to investigate the policies, standards and governance for over 85,000 social housing properties across the state.
Between March and October 2020, the Review met with over 120 organisations, received 80 formal submissions, engaged with around 2000 tenants via surveys, interviews and focus groups, received 82 online contributions via its website, and 80 short submissions from workers. The impact of the pandemic limited the number of events the review was able to hold during this time.
The Review found much to commend with the current system with strong positive feedback and comments received from tenants and other stakeholders. Key recommendations for change are designed to create a stronger system that can grow into the future.
The Review’s key reform proposals include:
● Greater focus on tenants. This would include changing the Housing Act to place tenants at the centre of the system, the introduction of a statewide tenant charter and amending Victoria’s Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities
● Minimum housing standards across existing social housing tenancies. This would bring public and community housing properties into line with private rentals.
● Consistent service standards across all forms of social housing. This would introduce a common set of service standards for all social housing tenants.
● Regulatory changes to promote ‘good growth’ of social housing. There is scope for the regulator to play a more active role in encouraging growth, while maintaining appropriate service delivery and dwelling standards.
● A single complaints and dispute resolution body for social housing tenants. This could be achieved through a number of mechanisms.
● Cultural safety for Aboriginal tenants. This would extend cultural safety and support to the broader social housing system.
● Incentives for private landlords to support tenants eligible for social housing. This would be achieved through an opt-in registration process.
Review Chair, Emeritus Professor David Hayward, said the full set of proposals was developed through deep engagement with tenants, the sector and others who interacted with the social housing system.
“This Review is not just about one particular government program. It recognises that housing is a human right. A safe, stable and affordable home is essential for a good life, whether you are an individual or family. Social housing was created for tenants and they need to remain at the centre of how it operates.”
“These proposals will bring our social housing system up to date with the best examples internationally and help create foundations for more growth in the number of properties and the success of people’s tenancies. Satisfied tenants make everything else in the system work.”
Once finalised, the Review will provide the Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Housing with a set of public recommendations to be considered for legislative and administrative implementation during 2022.
The interim report is available from Engage Victoria is open for public comment until 5pm Monday 28 February 2022.
