During the 1950’s and 1960’s there were a number of Tenant Action Committees

Formation of the Housing Commission Tenants Union

Negotiated with the Housing Commission as well as taking a stand on some issues

1970’s and 1980’s saw the development of Shelter and a number of activist groups

16 Regional Housing Councils

Youth Accommodation Coalition

Squatters Union

Public Tenants Union

Public Tenant Groups

Tenants Union

CERCs

Housing & Disability Groups

Caravan Parks Residents Association

People for Public Housing

Government support for Community Housing Program
from 1980-81
Allocated $1.01 million

In 1986-87 the CHP program supported five statewide housing organisations and 16 Regional Housing Councils, 60 tenant groups (28 in rural areas)

Tenant Workers employed by tenant groups to provide input on Estate Improvements

While tied to Estate Improvements, a large degree of independence was tolerated by government

Community structure provided opportunities for development of a range of issues as directed by tenants

Public Tenants Union and Tenant Groups worked on a range of issues negotiated with government

Federal Governments reduce expenditure on public housing

Tensions rise as public tenants and employed activists took a stand on many issues in direct conflict with government

Campaigns for improved housing

Anti-eviction squads

Rent Strikes

Office Occupations

Election of Liberal government in 1992 saw a changing landscape
Minister Knowles (1992-96) supported the “creative tension on estates”

Minister Henderson defunded the whole housing sector

Government built a new advocacy structure divorced from public housing estates with services in direct conflict with tenant groups

Introduced a range of draconian policy measures that welfarised public housing, increased charges and penalised those who did not conform

Reduced Federal Government expenditure on public housing continued

A compliant community sector formed with hierarchical structures

Managers with a focus on business development

Advocacy services rather than community development

Invitation only Ministerial committees

Grass roots workers separated from decision-making processes

No direct accountability to tenants

Expectations of repair to the sector with election of Labor Government in 1999

Minister Pike refuses to restore Shelter, RHCs, and provides minor funds for tenant groups

Government continues anti-public housing agenda with SHIP

Report and investment in Housing Associations

Co-option of agencies to support government agenda and contracted to provide government determined services

Current Consumer Affairs debacle demonstrates the end of the community funded cycle as funds are returned to government

Organisations close after operating for 20 years. Loss of staff with experience up to 18 years

Networks and community links lost

Minister states that government provides better services than community

Last active cross sector housing campaign in Victoria was in 1997