The Victorian Ombudsman has released an update on her investigation into the hard lockdown of public housing in North Melbourne, revealing her Office has received almost 150 complaints and submissions about the treatment of residents.
The Ombudsman, Deborah Glass said many people had told her investigation of the ongoing distress and concern they feel, due to the lockdown’s severity and the lack of communication at the outset.
“We are hearing very strong concerns about the lack of access people had to information, as well as to fresh air, exercise and medical supplies,” Ms Glass said.
“Even with Melbourne in Stage Four lockdown, generally most people still have access to essential supplies, fresh air and exercise,” she said.
“It is important that we document and understand what happened and learn lessons from what occurred, so that in the future the human rights of public housing tenants are recognised as much as everyone else’s.”
Ms Glass said her investigation was focusing on the Alfred Street housing tower, which was placed in a form of lockdown for 14 days.
She said the investigation was looking at how and why the lockdown happened; the consequences for residents; and how the lockdown was managed in the days and weeks that followed, through a human rights framework guided by the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006.
“The investigation is continuing to receive and analyse information and records from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS),” she said.
“Ombudsman staff are also meeting weekly with DHHS senior officials and continue to receive information about ongoing infection control and other preventive health measures across the inner-Melbourne public housing estates.”
Ms Glass said her investigation had received 89 complaints and 55 submissions from individuals and organisations, including via online discussions with affected residents, volunteers and community advocates.
The Ombudsman said her office would continue to accept submissions from anyone affected until 28 August.
