Severe Neglect Gives Way to Hope as Homes NSW Takes Action in Newcastle

For decades, elderly and vulnerable residents in Newcastle’s public housing have endured extreme conditions due to longstanding neglect by Homes NSW, a branch of the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), and its predecessors. Newcastle communities have been plagued by severe issues, including large-scale drug dealing, theft rings, threats and violence, excessively loud music, domestic violence incidents, prostitution, break-ins, vandalism and more. These problems have not only affected the quality of life for tenants but have also raised serious safety concerns for the surrounding neighbourhoods.

Residents have repeatedly reported these issues, only to feel ignored or dismissed. Attempts to address concerns about safety hazards, poor living conditions, and administrative neglect were often met with silence. Some tenants felt their complaints were only sometimes taken seriously when escalated through media outlets or local Members of Parliament.

One tenant, upset by the lack of response, threatened to take her complaints to A Current Affair, a high-rating investigative news program. This action led to an immediate resolution of her issues. “It’s unfortunate that it took the threat of media exposure for them to listen,” she remarked. “But I’m relieved that my concerns were finally addressed.”

Another resident shared her struggles: “I’ve had several strokes, and my son is battling cancer. Dealing with ongoing drug activities and violence in our building has made life unbearable. I hardly sleep at night anymore.”

Additional concerns have been raised about alleged breaches of privacy by Homes NSW employees. Some tenants claim that staff disclosed personal information and engaged in gossip with other residents, leading to increased tensions and conflicts within the community.

However, recent developments suggest a minor but positive shift in Homes NSW’s approach. Newy 87.8 has been informed that management at the Newcastle office on Hunter Street has begun taking actions to address these issues, holding problematic behaviour to account.

For the first time in decades, tenants have started receiving formal acknowledgements of their complaints through the post. Letters from the Newcastle office at 615 Hunter Street outline the initiation of investigations, provide reference numbers, and offer follow-up details that reference relevant laws and outcomes. This newfound responsiveness offers a glimmer of hope for improved communication and accountability.

While far from perfect, Homes NSW should work with police to stamp out bad behaviour. By persisting in these efforts, they send a clear message to the community that such conduct is unacceptable, and if it persists, then eviction is the only option.

A request for comment was made to the office of the Hon Rose Jackson MLC, Minister for Housing, with a response promised by Tuesday, 17 September 2024. However, no reply was received by the time of publication. Additionally, DCJ media did not respond at all to our email inquiries. As a result, we have no official response regarding the longstanding allegations of mismanagement and privacy breaches.

Nonetheless, tenants remain hopeful that recent developments signal the beginning of a more effective strategy in addressing the housing and safety concerns of Newcastle’s elderly, disabled and vulnerable residents. By holding severe misconduct to account, Homes NSW and DCJ are taking steps that benefit not only their tenants but also the surrounding communities, promoting a safer and more cohesive environment for all.

Newy 87.8 FM will continue to speak with affected tenants who are our listeners, to ensure that Homes NSW and DCJ maintain this new, positive trajectory of acting on tenant concerns.