“From Empty Homes to Dead Possums”: Problems in Victoria’s Community Housing, by Cait Kelly

There’s serious issues with Victoria’s community housing system, particularly under provider HousingFirst. Tenants report prolonged vacancies, some over a year amid a housing crisis, along with poor maintenance like broken windows and pest infestations.

Cait Kelly details that rents have dramatically increased, and long-term residents are being denied access to vacant units due to bureaucracy and poor governing. Advocates criticise the lack of oversight and transparency in how community housing is managed.

See the full original article here.

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The Guardian, Australian News:
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news
The Guardian, Cait Kelly:
https://www.theguardian.com/profile/cait-kelly
Cait Kelly, The Guardian, From empty homes to dead possums, tenants reveal laundry list of problems in Victoria’s community housing, Article:
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/feb/09/from-empty-homes-to-dead-possums-tenants-reveal-laundry-list-of-problems-in-victorias-community-housing
* Photograph, Eugene Hyland, “Pam Young at her home in Armadale, Victoria. When a new social housing provider took over the property, Young’s rent went from $296 to $436 a fortnight. Photograph: Eugene Hyland/The Guardian”:
https://www.instagram.com/eugenehyland/
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