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A LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK FOR COMMUNITY HOUSING — INTERIM UPDATE Public submissions for the discussion paper “A Legislative Framework for Community Housing” are now closed. The Department of Housing thanks the many community housing providers, peak bodies, state departments and local governments for the valuable input provided in the submissions. |
The Department of Housing and Works is seeking feedback on a proposed new legislative framework for community housing in Western Australia.
The draft document A Legislative Framework for Community Housing (PDF 157 kB) offers the opportunity for all stakeholders and the general public to provide feedback and to be engaged in the process of developing the necessary legislative amendments to the Housing Act 1980.
| Please note, the proposals have not yet been endorsed by the current Government and do not reflect the Government’s settled position. Your comments on the proposals are encouraged to ensure the interests of all stakeholders are considered prior to commencing the formal approvals to draft legislation. |
What are the proposals?
The key object of the proposals is to provide a legislative framework for growing, supporting and regulating certain activities of entities providing community housing services with assistance from the Housing Authority that includes –
- registering the entities
- giving them financial assistance, making land and/or premises available to them or giving them other types of assistance, and
- regulating how they provide housing services using the assistance.
Who do the proposals affect?
Any not-for-profit entity or local government that is currently providing, or is seeking in the future to provide, affordable rental accommodation services to eligible persons with assistance from the Housing Authority.
This assistance applies to -
- financial assistance such as grants, contracts or operational funding for agents providing specialised housing management services
- housing owned by the Housing Authority but managed by an entity pursuant to a lease and/or sublease arrangement for use as long-term affordable housing, and
- housing that is owned by the entity or was transferred to the entity but was purchased or constructed using Authority funding or became the property of the entity through stock transfer (partnerships, joint ventures or other equity arrangements with an entity).
How will entities be impacted?
If an entity is registered and has entered an agreement with the Housing Authority about the provision of assistance the registered provider will be required to meet certain standards and requirements.
Although the specific requirements will be contained in the regulations, they will be modelled on the existing National Community Housing Standards – full report (PDF 1.1 MB), abridged report (PDF 17 kB) and, in relation to large growth providers, the WA Community Housing Growth Provider Regulatory Code (PDF 23kB). Different requirements and standards will be put in regulations depending on the class of provider and form of assistance. This will enable the standards and requirements to reflect the level of risk associated with the type of provider and type of assistance provided.
For example, growth providers with complex financial arrangements, managing diverse types of housing services will be subject to higher level standards, and more frequent reporting requirements.
How can I have my say?
Interested persons, Government departments and organisations are encouraged to provide feedback on the draft community housing legislative framework.
The level of input you wish to provide is up to you. Responses to the questions outlined on page 5 of A Legislative Framework for Community Housing (PDF 157 kB) are specifically sought (where relevant to your business or interests) along with other comments you wish to make. The Submission Template (Microsoft Word format / PDF format 16 kB) may assist in structuring a response.
Where possible, submissions should be sent electronically using the following email address kevin.gillingham@dhw.wa.gov.au.
| Alternatively they can be sent via post, or fax to: | Information on community housing policy can be obtained from: |
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Kevin Gillingham |
Paul Pendergast Senior Policy Officer Community Housing Directorate 99 Plain Street, EAST PERTH, WA 6004 Tel: (08) 9440 2525 Fax: (08) 9222 8107 Email: paul.pendergast@dhw.wa.gov.au |
| The closing date for submissions is 19 December 2008. If an extension is required please contact Kevin Gillingham. |
Relevant information
Interim regulatory framework for community housing.
National reform proposals (PDF 361 kB).
