11. Hon ALISON XAMON to the minister representing the Minister for Housing:
I refer to the disruptive behaviour management policy.
(1) Does the three-strikes termination policy apply when an individual’s disruptive behaviour is the result of an underlying mental illness?
(2) If not, what policy applies in this instance?
Hon STEPHEN DAWSON replied:
I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question.
(1) The disruptive behaviour management strategy is designed to address and manage incidents of disruptive behaviour at Housing Authority properties that impact on neighbours and the community. The disruptive behaviour management policy ensures that the response applied is proportionate to the severity of the behaviour and encompassing circumstances. When a tenant’s behaviour endangers the lives of, or poses a safety risk to, themselves or neighbouring tenants, the Department of Communities will take appropriate action, whether under the disruptive behaviour management policy or the relevant provisions of the Residential Tenancies Act 1987.
The nature of disruptive behaviour and its causes are complex and the Department of Communities acknowledges that there is a need to continually improve the investigation and management of complaints, taking into consideration the complex circumstances of individual cases. The provision of information to communities relating to a person’s mental health status is voluntary. As such, an underlying mental illness or diagnosed mental illness may not be disclosed. When a tenant has disclosed a mental illness, Communities will liaise with their support provider when relevant.
(2) Not applicable.