tenants union of victoria     search
	About Us Current Funding Campaign Learn about the proposed cut in funding for the Tenants Union and what you can do to help. Recently we were advised that the Minister for Consumer Affairs in Victoria is proposing to make a significant cut in our funding and to make significant changes to the way that we can provide assistance to tenants. The real cut in funding is more than $100,000 per annum and will result in the loss of at least two dedicated and experienced staff. It represents a loss of almost 25% of our funding from Consumer Affairs Victoria. The program changes mean that we will no longer be able to provide advocacy assistance to tenants in the eastern and southern suburbs of metropolitan Melbourne. This excludes tenants from St. Kilda to Sorrento and from Hawthorn to Healesville. This is the first time in more than 25 years of funding that we have been forced to exclude some tenants who would prefer to get our help. In addition, we will lose our funding for our outreach program for rooming house and caravan park residents. This program helps us to reach out to the most vulnerable tenants in Victoria. These changes will make it very difficult for the tenants union to work effectively. We were never been consulted about these changes nor the proposed cut in funding. The Minister's office said that they had followed the advice of their department, Consumer Affairs Victoria. When we asked Consumer Affairs Victoria about the reason for the program changes they said it just seemed like the best way to do it. It isn't!! You can help us by letting the Minister know that you are concerned about these changes and want the funding of the Tenants Union increased not cut. Please send the following letter to the Minister. The more support we have the more we can help you.   The Hon Tony Robinson MP Minister for Consumer Affairs Level 5, 1 Macarthur Street East Melbourne VIC 3002 By email: tony.robinson@parliament.vic.gov.au Dear Minister, I understand that you are proposing to make a significant cut to the funding provided to the Tenants Union of Victoria. I want to express my grave concern about that decision. The Tenants Union has always been able to provide assistance to tenants who seek their help. Many tenants do so because the Tenants Union is expert in residential tenancies law and has a reputation for its strong advocacy. The changes that you are proposing will make it impossible for the Tenants Union to continue to do this work effectively. These changes are misguided and are being implemented at the worst possible time. The private rental market is experiencing its most significant supply problems on record with the vacancy rate at or below 1% for much of metropolitan Melbourne. At the same time, rents have been increasing at a much higher rate than inflation and housing affordability is at an all time low. This is a time that all tenants need to able to get help from the Tenants Union but particularly those tenants that have low incomes. The funding of the Tenants Union should be increased to enable it to get on with the work it does so well. I urge you to reconsider your decision. Yours sincerely, First Name:   Last Name:   Email:    Postcode: