Rachel presented a constituency question on behalf of several constituents who have raised a similar issue. She questioned how the government is ensuring effective responses to address repeated violent and threatening behaviour towards neighbours, in public housing settings in the south-east.
Wednesday the 18th of February,
Victorian Legislative Council
Rachel Payne (South-Eastern Metropolitan):
My constituency question is for the Minister for Housing and Building.
Several constituents from across my electorate have approached my office with concerns about their safety at home. These concerns have arisen from neighbours in public housing who have repeatedly engaged in threatening, aggressive and violent behaviours. Affected residents have followed procedures of incident reporting to the housing office as well as police reports and in some cases even intervention orders.
Despite this, the behaviours often reoccur and victims are frequently forced to relocate for their safety. We understand that housing is in high demand and these behaviours are part of a larger health issue; however, everyone deserves to feel safe in their home.
So, my constituent asks: will the minister ensure that public housing policies effectively respond to cases of aggressive and violent tenants in the South-Eastern Metro Region?
Written response received, Tuesday the 5th of May 2026:
I thank the member of the South-Eastern Metro region for their question.
The Victorian Government does not tolerate anti-social behaviour in public housing and takes all complaints seriously.
Breaches of the residential rental agreement are managed in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (the Act), as is the case for renters living across public, community, private and affordable rental housing.
Complaints regarding public housing renters are fully investigated by the local housing office and appropriate action is taken to address these complaints.
Where appropriate, matters are referred to Victoria Police for investigation. If any constituent has any concerns relating to safety, violence or criminal behaviour they should immediately contact Victoria Police.
The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing will pursue an order to evict renters at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) if the nature of the behaviour is serious and has a significant impact on other residents. Under the Act, community impact statements from renters and neighbours impacted by the anti-social behaviour must be considered at VCAT. This helps ensure that community perspectives are taken into account when VCAT is considering an eviction matter.
The Hon. Nick Staikos MP
Minister for Housing and Building
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