Australia needs a “big, gutsy” housing plan to cut through complexity and expose oversimplifications

Megan, a public housing tenant in Cloverdale, Perth, describes how her peaceful community has been disrupted by new neighbours in the adjacent public housing block. After escaping an abusive relationship and moving into a well-kept home, Megan initially enjoyed a supportive neighbourhood with a WhatsApp group for community communication and shared events like barbecues following a pet's passing. However, the atmosphere changed dramatically when new tenants moved in next door. Megan reports overflowing rubbish bins, clotheslines in carports, strangers arriving at all hours, vehicles with missing license plates, and open drug use on the street. She also describes witnessing a neighbour attempting to climb her fence after accusing her of gossiping, and concerns about a child with developmental issues being abused by a tenant. Brent, a next-door neighbour, shares similar experiences, noting overcrowded living conditions with four children in a two-bedroom house, frequent visitors, and ongoing antisocial behaviour. Both have repeatedly contacted the Department of Housing's disruptive behaviour team but feel discouraged from making official complaints, with staff often directing them to police instead. Megan, who has a disability, has installed security cameras and sometimes stays with friends to avoid the stress. She expresses concern that other vulnerable tenants, like a single mother with a baby, are missing out on housing opportunities due to problematic neighbours. Brent, who has a two-year-old child, plans to move out of the area due to the deteriorating conditions. Minister for Housing John Carey states that the department requires complaints to be made through their disruptive behaviour reporting line for investigation, noting that eviction decisions rest with magistrates and that criminal behaviour should be reported to police. Despite these protocols, residents feel the system is ineffective, with police and the department rarely communicating to address ongoing issues.

Megan, a public housing tenant in Perth's Cloverdale, describes how her peaceful community has been disrupted by new neighbours in the adjacent public housing block. After escaping an abusive relationship and moving into a well-kept home, Megan initially enjoyed a supportive neighbourhood with a WhatsApp group for parcel deliveries and community barbecues for pets. However, the atmosphere changed dramatically when new tenants moved in next door. Megan reports overflowing rubbish bins, cars with missing licence plates, open drug use on the street, and reports of children being abused by the tenants. She has made multiple complaints to the Department of Housing but feels discouraged from reporting further. Brent, a neighbouring resident, shares similar experiences, noting overcrowded living conditions with four children in a two-bedroom house, and concerns about his two-year-old child witnessing antisocial behaviour. Both residents feel the Department of Housing and police rarely communicate effectively, making it difficult to address ongoing issues. Megan, who has a disability, has installed security cameras and sometimes stays with friends to avoid the stress. She worries other vulnerable tenants, like a single mother with a baby, are missing out on suitable housing. Brent, who plans to move out, questions whether the Minister for Housing would want to live next to such disruptive neighbours. Minister John Carey states that complaints must be made to the Department's disruptive behaviour reporting line for action, but notes that eviction decisions rest with magistrates, not the department. The department is not a law enforcement agency, and criminal behaviour should be reported to police. Despite these protocols, residents feel their concerns are not adequately addressed, leaving them to deal with ongoing disruptions in their community.

The board approved minutes of the Sept. 23, 2026 meeting and the NYCHA CEO said the agency recently closed financing on its first public-housing preservation trust project, praising planned building-system upgrades and community outreach events.

Madrid City Council increases housing investment by 14.4% to fund 5,100 homes and expand the municipal stock to 10,500 units by 2027.

Finance controller Sue Rojas told the advisory committee that annual revenue exceeded budget while expenditures were underspent; she described Section 18 dispositions (permission from HUD to sell scattered public-housing homes), noting sales generated gains and that some capital grants were used to make repairs for sale.

Flagstaff's housing authority board voted to forward a RAD resolution to city council with a recommendation for approval; staff said council consideration is scheduled for Nov. 17 and work session materials will be available in advance.

Council adopted a $158,755 HUD Continuum of Care planning grant (with $31,751 local match) and a $350,218 Emergency Solutions Grant package (including $170,218 ESG and $180,000 city housing fund).

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The development partner said Saratoga Terraceconversion is scheduled at about $115 million with roughly $100 million in new funds for 164 households, and that the project needs assurances by Dec. 1 to make a March bond closing.

A Sydney mother, Lee, is struggling to breathe in her public housing home due to severe mould infestation, requiring oxygen therapy. Her 11-year-old son, who has autism and developmental delays, and her two adult daughters have been forced to leave the property due to unsafe living conditions. Lee has been hospitalised twice and claims Homes NSW has known about the mould problem for six months. Maintenance workers reportedly refused to enter the property months ago, deeming it a health hazard. Despite repeated requests for temporary accommodation, Lee has not been provided with alternative housing. A GP's letter warns that her current living conditions could lead to a 'catastrophic' outcome, including death. Sarah Morris, co-founder of Acts of Kindness Community Outreach, is advocating for Lee and has escalated the matter to local MP Kobi Shetty. NSW Shadow Minister for Family and Communities, Natasha Maclaren-Jones, criticised the government for failing to uphold basic safety standards, stating 'no parent should have to fight their own landlord for the basic right to breathe safely at home.' Homes NSW acknowledged the conditions are unacceptable and apologised, offering a 25% rent reduction and promising to relocate the family to temporary accommodation while repairs are assessed. The family's dog is also showing signs of illness, adding to concerns about the deteriorating living conditions. The case highlights systemic issues in public housing maintenance and the government's duty of care towards vulnerable tenants.

SVP Anne Marie Flatley presented a resolution authorizing NYCHA to submit its FY2027 PHA Plan and certification to HUD by Oct. 18; residents raised formal challenges during public comment about bedroom counts and disclosures required under RAD rules.

Housing director John reported the authority has about 1,400 families on the public housing wait list, site‑level vacancy counts, and enforcement statistics including 19 pending first returns and five pending trials; staff also reported outstanding balances and eviction dollar amounts as recorded.

A mold intervention program introduced in NYC public housing developments was associated with reduced ED visits for residents with asthma.

HOC told the committee HUD recaptured $5.8 million from its reserves this year, placing the authority in shortfall such that it cannot issue new vouchers now; HOC said it applied for shortfall funding and projects reissuing vouchers in spring if assistance arrives.