ACT government says public housing tenants won't be evicted after open letter claims evictions still being pursued

Canberra Community Law wrote an open letter to ACT Deputy Chief Minister Yvette Berry this week to ask for a moratorium on evictions for public housing tenants.

The letter, dated April 5, claimed applications for evictions were still being pursued.

The letter said: "Applications for evictions continue to be issued against public housing tenants by the ACT government and ACT government funded organisations."

It was signed by 18 local organisations, including the ACT Human Rights Commission, the ACT Council of Social Services and the Women's Legal Centre.

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Canberra Community Law was aware of two matters before the tribunal in the past fortnight, social security and tenancy lawyer Sophie Trevitt said.

These matters related to issues before the pandemic began.

Ms Trevitt said although the government had claimed this week that tenants would not be evicted, the organisation wanted further commitment that existing matters would be withdrawn during the crisis, as well as a moratorium on evictions.

"We are seeking confirmation from the ACT government that they will implement an immediate moratorium on evictions for public and community housing tenants," she said.

"That means a commitment not to issue notices to vacate against tenants and to withdraw eviction applications lodged with the tribunal until this crisis is over.

Ms Trevitt said there were huge public health implications to evicting public housing tenants during a global health crisis.

"If evicted, they risk being forced into overcrowded conditions with family or friends, women and children are at risk of being forced back into households with domestic violence perpetrators and some will find themselves sleeping rough," she said.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr, when asked on Tuesday, said public housing tenants would not be evicted during the crisis.

"My understanding, Minister Berry made a very clear statement in that regard, no we are not," he said.

"There are some matters that predate this pandemic, that still need a conclusion in relation to obligations on particular tenants," Mr Barr said.

"But we are not going to put anyone into homelessness in this time."

The Canberra Times has sought clarification on whether there would be a moratorium.

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