Inquiry into public housing demolitions

Labor MPs accused opponents of the demolition plan of spreading disinformation during inquiry hearings. But those who have been opposing the plan have not made any false accusations. They have been saying that:

• No new public housing will be built;
• The new dwellings will have far more full market and sightly discounted (90 per cent) market rent dwellings than the “community housing” rent dwellings that will replace demolished public housing stock: a combined 19,000 people in the first two and 11,000 in last;
• Rents in the market related dwellings will be increased every year of the three-year leases and on renewal;
• Homes Victoria has had to move public housing tenants into new dwellings built under the Public Housing Renewal Program and the Big Housing Build instead of making those homes available to those on the waiting list;
• Homes Victoria have had to buy up other, privately owned dwellings at premium prices to accommodate all those being relocated under the first round of demolitions in Flemington and North Melbourne;
• There is no evidence that the plan will improve rental affordability in Melbourne; and
• There are excellent case studies now that show how towers can be renovated at less cost than the government subsidies that will go to those organisations who win the redevelopment contracts.

The inquiry hearings have finished. There is a record in the Victorian Parliament's Hansard of each hearing day. There are also published submissions from a very wide range of organisations and individuals opposed to the plan. Go to: parliament.vic.gov.au/publichousingtowers

Why is the Victorian Labor Government pressing on?

The demolition of public housing towers in Melbourne is mentioned in Victoria’s commitment to the National Housing Accord. Go to treasury.gov.au/policy-topics/housing/accord to see the Victorian attachment that has the details.

No-one should be under the illusion that Labor both federally and at state level are not working together on the demolition plan. They are as the Accord shows.

The Labor Party’s ultimate objective is to get rid of all public housing in Victoria.

They have support from private investors, some industry superannuation funds (including CBUS) and so-called community housing providers in doing this.

An analysis of how community housing providers are transforming themselves to participate, can be found here.

Labor made a federal election commitment to be directly involved in building 100,000 new homes for first homebuyers nationwide. Given the crisis we have, this commitment should be extended to building new and refurbishing existing public housing.

Direct action to stop demolitions

Many residents are refusing to move out and there are a growing number in the community who are backing their position. Preparatory work for demolitions has been halted by pickets of residents and supporters over the past number of months.

Union uncovers fake reporting of maintenance issues

The United Workers Union has uncovered attempts to have security workers falsely inflate maintenance problems with towers. They believe it is about justifying demolitions. •

Prepared with the assistance of the Save Public Housing Collective.