New investigation referred by Parliament: Public housing towers and the relocation of residents

The Victorian Ombudsman will investigate the experience of residents who have been required to relocate due to the demolition of public housing towers, following a referral by the Legislative Council on 17 June 2026.

The referral focuses on the first three tranches of relocations affecting public housing in Carlton, Flemington and North Melbourne (tranche 1); South Yarra and Richmond (tranche 2); and Flemington, Kensington, North Melbourne, Prahran, St Kilda and Albert Park (tranche 3).

The referral requires the Ombudsman to examine the relocation of residents from public housing (owned by government) into community housing (managed by not-for-profit agencies), considering impacts on utilities, access to fair rental policies and security of tenure, as well as residents’ mental, social and physical wellbeing.

The referral also directs the Ombudsman's attention to the way the Victorian Government communicated with residents and whether its approach was compatible with residents' human rights.

When either house or a committee of the parliament refers any matter to the Ombudsman, she must investigate and report on it in accordance with the Ombudsman Act. Although Ombudsman investigations are conducted in private, there will be an opportunity for public submissions as part of the investigation.