Evidence has emerged that a $300 million backlog in maintenance work has left NSW public housing residents living in appalling conditions while precious public assets deteriorate under neglect.
Greens MP Jamie Parker has compiled a dossier of public housing residents who have waited months and often years for repairs to their homes, with issues including rat infestations, flooding, mould and holes in ceilings.
"This huge maintenance backlog means miserable conditions for some of the most vulnerable in our community, while assets owned by the people of NSW are facing demolition by neglect," Greens MP Jamie Parker said.
"It is a disgrace that some of the most vulnerable people in our community are living in appalling conditions with little support from Housing NSW.
"Underfunding basic maintenance only leads to greater future costs as small problems grow into significant structural faults. This backlog is financially irresponsible and places huge pressure on tenants.
"The O'Farrell government needs to protect these important assets and invest in basic maintenance to prevent escalating costs and to support tenants.
"This government abolished the role of the Minister for Housing and we now have a complex and disorganised division between different departments.
"The maintenance program is a shambles. It's underfunded and disorganised. The recent splitting of the Housing portfolio hasn't delivered the kind of reform needed as the funding is still woefully inadequate.
"The mismanagement and under-investment in these important assets needs a full and open inquiry," Mr Parker said.
The $300 million disgrace that's leaving our most needy residents living inside ruins
More information: Alison Martin 9660 7586 or 0432 941 533.
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