Ministry of Housing

Full description

Establishment

The Ministry of Housing was established by the Housing Ministry Act 1972 (No.8339) for the better administration of the laws relating to Housing in Victoria.

The Ministry consisted of a Minister of Housing, a Secretary of Housing and such other officers and employees necessary for the purposes of the Ministry.

Functions

The Ministry was responsible for:

improving housing conditions
providing adequate and suitable houses for letting or purchase to persons of limited means or living under unsatisfactory housing conditions
co-ordinating the supply and renewal of public housing
assisting in the provision of finance for persons building, purchasing or renovating houses
providing housing for officers and employees of government departments and public authorities
providing housing for employees of industries outside the metropolitan area (as defined in the Town and Country Planning Act 1961)
undertaking research to assist the Minister in carrying out his/her duties under the Act.

The Ministry inherited from the Housing Commission (VA 508) responsibility for the co-ordination, provision and administration of public and housing in Victoria. The Ministry took over responsibility for the Housing Commission, Home Finance Trust (established 1956), Registry of Co-operative Societies, Registry of Co-operative Housing Societies and Decentralised Industry Housing Authority, formerly part of the administrative structure of the Treasurer's Department (VA 865), and the Teacher Housing Authority which previously reported to the Minister of Education (VRG 35).

The Housing Commission (VA 508) continued to be responsible for the Ministry's purchase and construction program, allocation of housing funds, general tenancy arrangements and house sales.

Restructure 1978

In 1977 the Government appointed management consultants to review the senior management organization of the Victorian Ministry of Housing and its constituent agencies. As a result of this report the Housing Ministry Act 1972 was repealed and the Housing Act 1958 amended by the Housing (Amendment) Act 1978 (No.9246) to provide for a reconstituted Ministry of Housing consisting of a Minister of Housing, Director of Housing and other officers as necessary.

The legislation also established a Housing Advisory Council:

to advise the Minister on matters affecting housing in the or public sector
to investigate any matters affecting housing
to consult with the housing industry.

The Council consisted of the Director of Housing and six part-time members appointed by the Minister.

Further Restructure 1983

The Housing Act 1983 abolished the Housing Commission, Housing Advisory Council and the Home Finance Trust, and restructured the Ministry to provide for a stronger co-ordination and management of housing policy and programs in Victoria. The Act came into effect on 1 January 1984, its objectives being:

to ensure that every person in Victoria has adequate and appropriate housing at a price within his or her means by encouraging:
(i) the provision of well maintained public housing of suitable quality and location
(ii) the distribution, according to need, of Government housing financial assistance for each type of tenure (including freehold and leasehold land and land held by a co-operative) and
to expand and develop the role of the public sector in the provision of housing
to promote cost effectiveness in the provision of housing
to promote the integration of public and housing
to provide in the public sector a variety of housing types in various locations
to promote security and variety of tenure
to seek the participation of tenants and other community groups in the management of public housing and rental housing co-operatives
to promote consultation on major housing policy issues with all persons and groups of persons involved in housing
to monitor the house building and housing finance industries in both the public and sectors and industries to achieve growth and stability
to co-ordinate the provision of all necessary community services and amenities ancillary to public housing
to formulate and maintain standards of habitation for housing throughout the State
to maximize employment opportunities in the housing sectors
to give due regard to the environmental impact of the activities of the public housing sector
to provide a safe and satisfying work environment for persons employed in the public housing sector: and
to promote public awareness of the role and functions of the public housing sector.

Creation of the Ministry of Housing and Construction

As part of a machinery of government change in December 1987, the Ministry of Housing was replaced with the Ministry of Housing and Construction (VA 2907) which also took over the functions of the Public Works Department (VA 669).

Location of Records

No records of the Ministry have been transferred to the Public Record Office. Some records of the Housing Commission (VA 508) and the other housing authorities are held.

See also List of Holdings 2nd edition 1985, section 3.12.0.