The Victorian Greens have referred the Allan Labor Government's public housing tower demolition program to the Ombudsman.
The Greens are proposing that the Ombudsman investigate the treatment of residents and impact of relocations on residents' wellbeing, the adequacy of alternative housing offered, the condition of towers awaiting demolition and whether relocation practices are compatible with residents' human rights.
The investigation would also specifically examine the impact on older Victorians living in public housing towers earmarked for demolition.
The Greens have made the referral to the Ombudsman and on Wednesday they will push to have the referral made a priority by moving a motion in Parliament. Ombudsman investigations referred directly by the Parliament are required to report within six months.
The referral follows the Allan Labor Government's response to the parliamentary inquiry into the redevelopment of Melbourne's public housing towers where they supported only 4 of the 21 recommendations.
The inquiry found that the Victorian Labor Government engaged in "significant coercive and misleading practices to relocate residents within an arbitrary deadline, causing deep harm to social, emotional and physical wellbeing of the residents."
The Greens say that if Labor won't properly examine the consequences of its own decisions, then the Ombudsman should.
It comes as the Greens announce their plan to double the number of public homes and refurbish the existing public housing stock, saying that while Labor wants to tear down public housing in a housing crisis, the Greens want to build more of it.
As stated by Victorian Greens housing spokesperson Gabrielle de Vietri:
"Labor wants to tear communities apart and trample on people's rights. They don't care what the experts say or what people think. We've had to send in the Ombudsman to hold Labor to account before they do irreparable damage."
"The inquiry heard evidence of residents being pressured to relocate, deceived about their rights and fearful of losing their homes and communities. Those allegations are serious, but Labor's response shows they haven't taken them seriously."
"This project has been a disaster from day one. In a housing crisis, Labor is tearing down good, affordable homes and replacing them with expensive private apartments.
"Victoria already has the lowest proportion of public housing in the country. We need to be building more public housing.
"The Greens have pledged to double the number of public homes and refurbish the public housing we have so everyone has a safe affordable place to call home."
