Thursday, 2 May 2019

Northern Metropolitan Region

In reply to Ms PATTEN (Northern Metropolitan) (19 March 2019)

Mr WYNNE (Richmond—Minister for Housing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Planning):

The Victorian Government’s Homelessness Services Guidelines require that any organisation using government funds for crisis accommodation ensures clients are housed in accommodation that is appropriate and safe. The government will continue to work with specialist homelessness services to ensure this is a priority. The Department of Health and Human Services is working with agencies in northern and western Melbourne to examine ways of using funding to source the most suitable crisis accommodation options.

Under the Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2009, specific accommodation types, including rooming houses, hotels and motels, must be maintained in a clean, sanitary and hygienic condition. The regulations also require that all bed linen in such premises is changed with clean linen at least weekly and between occupiers.

Concerns regarding conditions of cleanliness and hygiene should be reported to the local council. Local councils are responsible for inspecting prescribed accommodation (such as hostels, hotels and motels) under the Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2009. For the North Melbourne area, the contact information is City of Melbourne Health and Wellbeing Unit on telephone 9658 8831 or email health@melbourne.vic.gov.au.