20 September 2018

JODIE HARRISON SEEKS ASSURANCE THAT EMERGENCY HOUSING IS SAFE

Member for Charlestown, Jodie Harrison today asked the Minister for Social Housing to guarantee that those living in emergency housing, such as boarding houses, are not living in death traps.

Today I have asked the Minister for Social Housing, Pru Goward what controls does Housing NSW have to ensure that the buildings providing emergency accommodation for Housing NSW clients are safe, and that Government money is not provided to landlords of death traps? Ms Harrison said.

Ms Harrisons question follows Newcastle City Councils decision to shut down three boarding houses run by former Councillor Aaron Buman after it was discovered unauthorised works had been carried out making them virtual fire death traps.

The Councils fire-safety engineer has identified an extreme fire risk at these boarding houses and this has caused grave concern for me for those living in this type of accommodation, she said.

I commend Newcastle Council for taking their responsibility seriously and enforcing building, safety and accommodation standards in existing boarding houses.