In a lengthy investigation into Victoria’s social housing complaints system published two years ago, Ombudsman Deborah Glass said the system was confusing and under-resourced.
Distressing stories from social housing tenants include public housing resident Amelia, who did not receive help for a mouse infestation until she asked the ombudsman to step in.A Victorian woman in her 60s was forced to use bucket as a toilet following the mismanagement of bathroom repairs, a government watchdog has found, amid renewed calls to overhaul complaints handling for social housing tenants.
Despite having no access to her own flushing toilet, she told Glass’s office the worst part was being made to feel like she was “whingeing” to authorities.She said older renters like her were reluctant to complain because they were worried they would “get in trouble and have to move out”. By that point, she had been bitten by mice in her bed. Her clothing, furniture and carpets also smelt like animal urine.
“The Victorian government is yet to take any clear action, including on some of the most-needed reforms to improve renters’ experiences,” the report said. “In the meantime, Labor has been sitting on these ombudsman recommendations for more than a year, and with plans to demolish all 44 of our public housing towers, things will only get worse.”