The NSW Ombudsman today slammed the Iemma Government for failing to update ineffective laws, which should be supporting vulnerable residents living in boarding houses.
John Ryan, the Shadow Minister for Disability Services said that he had drafted new legislation to protect people with disabilities living in licensed and unlicensed boarding houses.
“The government has ignored numerous warnings about sexual and physical abuse, allegations of rape and boarding house residents living in squalor.
“Laws are 30 years old and are toothless because government inspectors aren’t even allowed to enter boarding houses to make sure residents are ok.
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“There has not been a successful prosecution under existing laws since 1998. I’ve been to many boarding houses in Sydney’s inner west and have seen numerous breaches of fire safety standards and horrible living conditions that defy belief.
“My draft legislation aims to improve the care provided to residents and would ensure inspectors are able to enforce standards,” Mr Ryan said.
The NSW Liberal Coalition held a seminar with concerned community representatives and the owners of licensed boarding houses late last year. A second seminar will be held in September this year and the Minister has been invited to comment on the Coalition’s draft Bill.
“The safety and wellbeing of residents depends on whether or not the Government supports my Bill,” Mr Ryan said.
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