Published on Monday 22, April 2024
Victorian Government will attempt to throw out public housing class action
MELBOURNE, VICTORIA: The Victorian Government’s application to have the public housing class action thrown out of the Supreme Court will be heard tomorrow. It is another attempt to maintain secrecy around the government's decision to demolish 44 public housing towers and deny residents their opportunity to understand whether their rights have been properly considered.
The residents in the Flemington and North Melbourne public housing estates, which are among the first towers scheduled for demolition, have alleged the government made the decision in a manner that was incompatible with human rights and that public authorities have failed to properly consider their rights throughout the process.
Inner Melbourne Community Legal (IMCL), who is acting on behalf of the residents, will also argue that the Cabinet did not have the authority to make the decision to demolish the towers.
IMCL’s managing lawyer, Louisa Bassini, said the entire process has occurred without transparency or procedural fairness.
“The public housing estates aren’t just bricks and mortar that belong to the state government. The towers are home to 10,000 Victorians and their rights matter. Their homes, families and communities are important. The Victorian Government should not prefer expedited and secretive decision-making ahead of proper consideration of peoples’ rights,” Ms Bassini said.
It is alleged the Victorian Government has breached rights and responsibilities under the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic).
"It is our view that the decision to demolish ought to have been undertaken by the Housing Minister or Homes Victoria in a manner consistent with the established legislation, in consultation with the communities affected, and with reference to the Charter. These rights, owed to all Victorians, must be properly considered when decisions of this nature are made," Ms Bassini said.
Background
Inner Melbourne Community Legal
Inner Melbourne Community Legal (IMCL) works for inclusive and safe communities and the full realisation of human rights, which includes advocating for systemic change in many areas including police accountability.
Media Enquiries
For further information contact:
Connie Agius, Inner Melbourne Community Legal