Victorian public housing tenants fleeing domestic violence are waiting more than 20 months to be relocated to alternative secure accommodation.
The recent Victorian State Budget has confirmed that the average wait time for a public housing tenant who has received a priority access housing or housing transfer allocation due to family violence has risen to 20.2 months across 2022-23.
This is an increase from 17 months in 2021-22 and almost double the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing’s 10.5 month target timeframe.
Concerningly, the wait times for domestic violence victims are greater than those for non-domestic family transfers, who waited an average of 16.5 months in 2022-23.
Shadow Minister for Housing, Richard Riordan, said vulnerable Victorians were being punished for the incompetence of the Andrews Government.
“Domestic violence victims deserve better than to wait almost two years in a motel, caravan, tent or couch surfing for alternative accommodation,” Mr Riordan said.
“Under the Andrews Government, more than $3 billion has been spent on public housing yet stock remains stagnant, the priority list continues to grow and those most in need are waiting longer than ever before.”
Shadow Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, Cindy McLeish, said the Andrews Government was failing women and Victoria’s most vulnerable.
“Secure housing is fundamental for women fleeing domestic violence and a more than 20 month wait to be relocated is simply unacceptable,” Ms McLeish said.
“This failure to support public housing tenants in need comes as the Andrews Government’s new Rent Tax will increase rents and reduce the availability of private rental properties, meaning even fewer options for those in need.”
