Hon Alison Xamon questions the Minister for Housing regarding the application of the 'three-strikes' disruptive behaviour policy to tenants with underlying mental illness. The Minister's response outlines the policy's flexibility and consideration of individual circumstances.

AnsweredQoN 11Legislative Council
Asked
11 February 2020
Portfolio
Housing

QuestionView source ↗

HOUSING — DISRUPTIVE
BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT POLICY
11. Hon ALISON XAMON to the minister representing the
Minister for Housing:
I refer to the disruptive behaviour
management policy.
(1) Does the
three-strikes termination policy apply when an individual's disruptive
behaviour is the result of an underlying mental illness?
(2) If not, what policy applies in
this instance?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question.
(1) The
disruptive behaviour management strategy is designed to address and manage
incidents of disruptive behaviour at Housing Authority properties that impact
on neighbours and the community. The disruptive behaviour management policy
ensures that the response applied is proportionate to the severity of the behaviour
and encompassing circumstances. When a tenant's behaviour endangers the
lives of, or poses a safety risk to, themselves or neighbouring tenants, the
Department of Communities will take appropriate action, whether under the
disruptive behaviour management policy or the relevant provisions of the
Residential Tenancies Act 1987.
The nature of disruptive behaviour
and its causes are complex and the Department of Communities acknowledges that there is a need to continually
improve the investigation and management of complaints, taking into
consideration the complex circumstances of individual cases. The provision of
information to communities relating to a person's mental health status
is voluntary. As such, an underlying mental illness or diagnosed mental illness may not be disclosed. When a tenant has
disclosed a mental illness, Communities will liaise with their support
provider when relevant.
(2) Not applicable.

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