Shocking ‘slum’ conditions in Melbourne’s public housing show need for minimum standards
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The appalling and often dangerous housing conditions endured by some of Melbourne’s most vulnerable families revealed in The Sunday Age yesterday has been condemned by the Victorian Council of Social Service as a failure of Government housing policy.
Chief Executive of VCOSS Cath Smith said the Brumby Government must act immediately to introduce minimum standards for rental housing to ensure that all Victorians live in decent housing.
“Every Victorian has the right to live in a decent home, but because there are no housing standards many people are forced to live in dreadful conditions. This includes tenants in private rental as well as public housing.
The Brumby Government should raise its game, and raise living standards for thousands of vulnerable families forced to live in first world ‘slums’.”
VCOSS calls for the introduction of minimum rental housing standards for all public and private housing, and a dedicated funding boost of at least $150 million over 5 years to ensure every home for public tenants in Victoria is safe, decent and liveable.
“Minimum housing standards such as better insulation and heating would improve the health, wellbeing and safety of all tenants, and help them save money on expensive energy bills.
“Improving the city’s ageing public housing stock is good for the environment too since energy efficient homes will help reduce Victoria’s carbon footprint,” added Ms Smith.
For more information, or to arrange an interview
contact John Kelly – M: 0425 701 080Follow the conversation at www.twitter.com/vcoss
VCOSS
Level 8, 128 Exhibition Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
T: 03 9654 5050 F: 03 9654 5749 W: vcoss@vcoss.org.au E: vcoss@vcoss.org.au