October 29th 2024.
Residents living in public housing towers that are set to be demolished are still waiting for the outcome of their fight against the Victorian government. Unfortunately, they will have to wait until next year to find out if their efforts have been successful.
The group of residents have filed a class action lawsuit, claiming that Homes Victoria did not take their human rights into consideration before making the decision to demolish the towers located in Carlton, Flemington, and North Melbourne. This decision was originally announced by former premier Daniel Andrews in September 2023, as part of the Labor government's policy.
The trial for this case began in the Victorian Supreme Court just yesterday, with Homes Victoria's chief executive, Simon Newport, admitting that the announcement was made before the residents were even notified. He also stated that the government body did carry out community consultation afterwards, including an open forum.
The trial was supposed to continue today, but it was adjourned in order for both parties to discuss the production of confidential documents. Lawyers for Homes Victoria argued that some of the requested material is protected under cabinet privilege and does not need to be released.
Justice Melinda Richards, who is presiding over the case, stated that another judge will need to make a decision regarding the documents in question, and a hearing date has yet to be set. Originally, she had planned to give her ruling on the class action trial within the next two months, but the legal argument will now delay the decision.
She expressed her disappointment, saying, "I had expected to give the parties a decision by the end of the year. That's now no longer going to be possible." As a result, the trial has been adjourned to a date that is yet to be determined.
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