Department of Communities not handling crime, as complaints over social housing in Carnarvon reach Parliament

WA’s housing minister says the department responsible for social housing does not handle criminal matters, as issues continue to rise in the Mid West and Gascoyne.

The frustration of communities in Carnarvon, Meekatharra, and Mt Magnet was heard in Parliament last week, when concerns were raised over residents experiencing disruption to their lifestyle as a result of antisocial behaviour.

North West Central MLA Merome Beard told Parliament not enough was being done to address matters.

“In towns like Carnarvon and Meekatharra, some residents are experiencing severe disruptions to their lives, with ongoing unacceptable levels of antisocial behaviour, leaving them unable to live in peace and witnessing damage to properties,” she said.

“Yet seemingly those responsible for these actions are not being held accountable to the level they need to be under current policies, and are presumably without relevant consequences.”

One example she highlighted involved a man posting on Facebook to air his grievances about a fence alleged to have been broken by tenants in an adjacent property living in social housing.

Ms Beard said the damage did not meet the department’s criteria for disruptive behaviour, and called for a policy overhaul.

“Many in the region are calling for assistance and an urgent review of the Department of Communities’ disruptive behaviour management policy to ensure that tenants who engage in destructive or criminal behaviour face prompt and appropriate consequences,” she said.

“This includes protections for neighbouring homeowners who deserve to feel safe and secure in their own properties. I urge the minister to work closely with his colleagues and agencies to invest in additional resources for regional wraparound services.”

In response, Housing Minister John Carey said there had been no reduction in housing services in the Department of Communities, and it was working with stakeholders to reduce vandalism instances in occupied and vacant housing.

However, regarding criminal matters, Mr Carey said the department was not in charge.

“Criminal matters do not fall within the jurisdiction of the Department of Communities. They fall within the jurisdiction of local police, and any criminal matter should be referred to the police,” he said.

“Communities is not a law enforcement agency and it does not have the power to investigate suspected illegal activities.”

Mr Carey also accused the Liberals and Nationals of wanting it both ways, by recommending early intervention for homelessness but inquiring about eviction for social housing tenants.