Mike Cush, Lanie Ranger, Craig English, Marilyn Smith and Gina Walder

THA conference hears criticism and advice

By Owen Hasler

More than 50 teachers, Teacher Housing Authority board members and staff, and Federation Officers travelled to Dubbo to participate in the biennial Teacher Housing Authority Conference on August 17-18. Some 32 of these were teachers representing their communities from the western areas of NSW from Balranald to Wilcannia.

Narrabri Local Housing Representative Lanie Ranger outlined the role of the local housing representative from her perspective as an experienced representative in both Moree and Narrabri over a number of years.

Following her address and the subsequent discussion, Business Operations director Ken Parker indicated that there was a need for the Board to review the means by which representatives are appointed.

He also said there was some need for improvement in communication between the THA head office and the housing representatives. This included the production of a "starters kit" for representatives and improved communication strategies. Ms Ranger volunteered to assist in the review process.

Landmark Russell managing agent, Gail Russell, of Cobar, provided an insight into methods of addressing maintenance and other issues. Ms Russell emphasised the need to formally notify of a problem (as outlined in the new Tenant Handbook revised in 2005) and the need to provide a "paper trail" of issues raised.

Ms Russell also explained the present difficulties in obtaining tradesmen in small communities, especially when competing with big businesses (such as mining companies in Cobar). If there has been no response within three days the tenant should ring for the agent to follow up.

Ms Russell said emergency repairs should be arranged immediately but the agent should be notified as soon as possible.

Australian Valuation Office managing valuer George Nelson attempted to explain the methodology by which rents were determined. A number of the delegates questioned the appropriateness of the valuations in their communities.

Representatives were allowed to raise many issues during the open forum sessions held in the morning and again in the afternoon. Gavin Blows from Broken Hill was particularly critical in relation to the allocation policies as demonstrated in his community.

Mr Blows believed that greater sensitivity to individual needs and the availability of housing stock needed to be paid.

Other issues which provided good feedback and questioning included sharing of residences, maintenance issues, bonds, pest control and, of course, rental subsidies. Sharing caused lively discussion among delegates with a strong belief that the changing demographics of the teaching service needs the THA to treat sensitively the individual needs of teachers

Federation representatives pointed out that plans were in progress to attempt to negotiate the extension of the rental subsidy scheme. This issue is to be developed for presentation to Annual Conference 2006 in time for the 2007 state election campaign. THA Manager Planning and Liaison Mike Cush indicated that he would raise the matter with the Department of Education and Training.

THA Planning and Liaison manager Neryl Wilson explained the extent of the capital works program and demonstrated by visual presentation some of the recent property constructed across the state.

The capital works program for 2005-6 is:

• Boggabilla: three villa units
• Buronga: three villa units
• Condobolin: three villa units
• Hay: 4-bedroom house (possible purchase)
• Hillston: 4-bedroom house (possible purchase)
• Quirindi: 4-bedroom house (possible purchase).

In closing the Conference Mr Cush indicated that he had noted a number of the matters raised at the conference including communication, sharing, rental subsidies, maintenance, pest and animals. He stressed the difficulty in pleasing everybody but stressed that he felt that the Conference had provided an opportunity to raise the issues and to provide the time for staff to personally meet with the representatives from across the state.

Owen Hasler is a Country Organiser.

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September 2005 contents