State Government ‘double standards’ over air-con policy leaves public housing tenants hot under collar

The State Government has been accused of double standards over a policy which leaves public housing tenants having to buy their own air-conditioners while they come pre-installed in government officer homes. While holes created to fit air-conditioning units have been a standard inclusion in WA public housing properties since 1990, air-conditioning units themselves are not. A Department of Communities spokesperson said this was “due to the associated costs”. “Tenants may however choose to install an air-conditioner with the Department of Communities’ prior approval, which is necessary because building modifications are involved,” they said. Kimberley Legal Service solicitor Grace Dudley, who has begun campaigning on the issue, said there was an inequality which had for too long been overlooked. “We live in extreme heat for long periods of the year,” she said. “The (Government Regional Officer Housing) air-conditioning policy acknowledges the heat in the north and provides reasons why air-conditioning is necessary for government employees living there, whereas the Housing Authority cooling policy does not. “Why should it be any different for low-income earners.” Under the GROH policy, government homes north of the 26th parallel and in southern remote communities come with either ducted refrigerated or wall-mounted air-conditioners. The Department of Communities spokesperson said design features were considered in all new public housing constructions in the North West to accommodate the region’s extreme climate. “Ceiling fans and ceiling and wall insulation have been provided to all new dwellings constructed in the North West since 1990,” they said. Ms Dudley said ceiling fans were “clearly not enough” to provide adequate comfort. Kimberley Legal Service in partnership with Kimberley Jiyigas has recently consulted tenants and tenancy support services in the East Kimberley on their experiences and suggestions for change. Ms Dudley said this process had uncovered myriad issues for households trying to cope with the heat. “We have been hearing about the financial pressure of purchasing an air-conditioner; people are either unable to afford one, or are having to purchase cheaper box air-conditioners new or second hand that are known to be less efficient and drive up power bills,” she said. Kimberley Legal Service will be releasing a report early next year with their findings and providing recommendations for change. Shelter WA chief executive Michelle McKenzie said indoor thermal comfort in a home was a key determinant of social, physical and mental wellbeing. “In prolonged and extreme heat, an inability to keep cool increases health risks, makes it difficult to sleep, and can contribute to poor social outcomes including schooling and an increased risk of family and domestic violence,” she said. Ms McKenzie said the majority of public housing properties don’t have the energy efficiency building standards we have today. “We know that the majority of public housing assets are at least 20 years old, and at least 20 per cent of public houses are over 40 years old,” she said. “Air-conditioning is necessary in these older homes to achieve a thermally comfortable and healthy indoor environment if they have not been designed and built for the climate.” In November 2020 the Victorian State Government announced a $122 million package to seal windows and doors, upgrade heating, cooling, and hot water in 35,000 social housing properties. At the time, Victorian Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio acknowledged the impact heat stress had on people’s homes and their health. Ms Mackenzie said New South Wales and SA had also implemented programs that combine installation of air conditioning and solar panels on public housing properties in hot climates. “We urge the (State) Government to consider a similar program here, prioritising social housing in the hottest parts of the state,” she said. “Whilst we understand the impact of running an air-conditioner on household’s budget, there are some good rebates that could offset part of the electricity costs associated with operating an air-con, along with education and support for tenants on energy use” said Ms Mackenzie.