Friday 28 March 2014
Victoria’s new vision for social housing
· Victorian Coalition Government to upgrade 9,500 public housing properties · Laying the foundation for a strong and sustainable future for social housing · Renewal of assets, new anti-social behaviour policies and greater opportunities for tenants
Clear new directions for social housing have been set by the Victorian Coalition Government with today’s release of the New Directions for Social Housing: a Framework for a Strong and Sustainable Future.
Minister for Housing Wendy Lovell said the Framework outlined the next steps in building better communities, delivering better opportunities for tenants and developing social housing assets.
“This Social Housing Framework builds on the work that the Coalition Government has already done to improve public housing in Victoria, including better management of the waitlist, and commencing new innovative redevelopment models,” Ms Lovell said.
“As part of the Framework, 9,500 properties will be upgraded under the Coalition Government’s investment of $1.3 billion over five years in renovations and maintenance of stock. This will ensure we can provide better quality properties for Victoria’s most vulnerable people.
“For tenants this means properties are better maintained, there is better engagement in safer communities and better opportunities to build productive lives.”
The Social Housing Framework also includes strengthened rules around anti-social behaviour, to ensure tenants better maintain their properties and respect their neighbours.
“Most tenants do the right thing, and for them and their neighbours, we will be reinforcing the acceptable standards of behaviour,” Ms Lovell said.
A probationary period will be introduced for all new public housing tenants, and a strengthened three strikes policy will be implemented for any tenant who repeatedly displays anti-social behaviour.
“The Social Housing Framework released today provides a strong base for future improvements to social housing in Victoria and provides more opportunities for tenants and the broader community,” Ms Lovell said.
The Framework also provides better opportunities for tenants to purchase selected public housing properties, supports tenants to explore options to access the private rental market and links tenants with employers in their local communities – creating more work opportunities.
“The Coalition Government has consulted widely on the development of the Framework and I am excited about the new vision and new direction in social housing that I’ve announced today,” Ms Lovell said.