|
You may be aware that the Australian Services Union with Unions ACT have been running a campaign seeking to ensure ongoing funding for our service past March 2020 in response to the threat posed by an unexpected tendering process started by the ACT Government in August.
We have just been advised that we will not be funded past March 2020. Needless to say this news is devastating. For staff, for management and members of the TU but also for renters and many other members of the ACT community, and beyond.
The ACT community will be losing our voice, our expertise, our knowledge, our advocacy as well as our advice and direct assistance.. We exist for tenants and renters, exclusively for renters' interest. As noted in our Mission Statement , we are "an organisation for tenants by tenants that seeks to enable all tenants to enjoy appropriate, affordable, accessible and secure housing in the ACT.". No other service can provide this.
As we say on our website -
The Tenants’ Union is an independent community legal centre initially formed by a group of tenants who came together to promote the rights and interests of people renting their homes in the ACT. Although we are called the Tenants’ Union, we help all renters, which means both tenants and occupants. TU members include private, public and community housing tenants, as well as boarders and lodgers, people living in student accommodation, caravan parks and emergency accommodation, and others interested in supporting the work of the TU.
Many of the problems renters face can be too big for one individual to tackle alone. Renters need a group that will talk to government, media, landlord groups and real estate agents on our behalf. We need a group that can express our views and concerns.
The Tenants’ Union is committed to addressing the inequities that exist between renters and property investors. To tenants and occupants, our houses are our homes, but to the owner they are simply an investment. With your support the Tenants’ Union can provide a stronger voice for tenants and occupants.
We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge that the overwhelming support we have received from so many organisations and individuals across Canberra and beyond has meant so much to our staff (paid and voluntary) management committee and members during a very stressful and difficult time.
Staff and management will be meeting in mid January to determine the future of the TU and we will be advising our supporters and the wider community once it has been determined.
|
