Case 77: Family of seven protected from homelessness

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A family of seven had experienced great difficulty in receiving financial support and secure housing since arriving in Australia. They were given permission to sublet a public housing property but were required to vacate it upon the original tenant returning. The property later became vacant due to fire damage and the family, left with no other options, moved back in. They contacted the Office of Housing to discuss the situation but the Office stated they would have them removed. The Homeless Persons’ Legal Clinic contacted the Office of Housing and argued that the family’s removal would breach their Charter rights including the protection of children and families, the right to property and freedom from arbitrary interference with a person’s home. Negotiations led to an arrangement allowing the family to sign a tenancy agreement for the property.

Source: Homeless Persons’ Legal Clinic, Submission to the Review of the Victorian Charter, 2011