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Friday, August 6, 2010

Interstate Swaps

All the Housing departments in Australia are run by each State Government - and none of them allow Interstate swaps. This includes ACT to NSW and across borders like Tweed Heads to Coolangatta.

To me, this policy seems ridiculous - each property would have a rent paying tenant, so why would DoH care where the tenant originated from?

Is there a NEED for Interstate Swaps?

79 comments:

  1. I agree!, there is no valid reason other than the department possibly not wanting supposed extra paperwork for tenants not to swap interstate, as I myself was told recently swaps and transfers for existing tenants "are not a priority"

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    1. I agree with evry1 here. I am single mum with 4 boys ranging from 15yrs-9mnths.I am in a situation that i find it hard nd only help i can get is family in sydney. I have tried to get a transfer but to no avail. Its frustratin when as far as i'm concerned all housings the same just different state. Come on nd give us a-go make life easier instead of a HEADACHE :(

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    2. shows the idiocy of gov'dpt thinking, so slow to do the sensible thing.... they will have to ALLOW this asap, due to the demand to make us work when older, we need to travel to find work at times, also, we should be able to have a normal lifestyle as any other person. ie/ if our kids/g'kids live interstate, etc.

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  2. This rule should be abollished.
    ALLOW interstate swaps PLEASE....

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    1. I agree Allow interstate swap already please!!

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    2. Yes I agree with you , should be allowed to live where you want, interstate swap yes for sure, my family are all in nsw and would love to be around them instead of seeing them once in a while, so upsetting. I can't afford to rent private, otherwise I would be gone long ago.

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  3. The only reason it is a problem for HNSW is, that, like this swap site, the possibility of its inception has to be created, and, as HNSW views existing tenants to have been placed in suitable housing (BUT CIRCUMSTANCES CHANGE!!!) the whole idea is not even placed on the backburner...I personally am pleased to see a blogging possiblity coming up as so much is not discussed or explained, and disgruntled tenants are, just that.

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  4. I agree interstate swaps should be allowed. Circumstances change and sometimes tenants are left with no other option than to give up their DOH home move interstate then join that states waiting list(after already spending a few years on the wait list),This can cause a lot of hardship.
    Be nice to think they will change the rules and permit it. It's not like they will be losing out.
    Thanks for the blog

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  5. As in many other things here in Australia, each state has it's own registry on different things,ie, Licences, Registration, Schools,etc. WHY?? We are one country! Stop the cost and inconvenience to people needing to move for whatever reason,Come on Dept of Housing get with the 21st Centuary,make it legal for people to swap interstate. The times are changing, and peoples requirements change too!

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  6. people who are alone may have family interstate & they can swap nearer to there families..especially when they are sick or elderly..interstate swaps would help these people a lot !!

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    1. exactly,single parent families with children,would benefit if wanting to return to work or other parent mabe interstate and able to share care.the list of variables goes on.but at the end of the day the govt still gets paid

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  7. Moving interstate is not what it used to be fifty years ago. People move about much more now, because we can. I think the relevant state housing departments are behind the times by not allowing interstate swaps.

    I would like an interstate swap, as I'm sure many would.

    I hope they change their outdated regulation soon.

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  8. Yep I agree, it's so frustrating that interstate swaps are not allowed. One important example is people in DOH that have experienced Domestic Violence, it would be enourmously benificial to all family members to relocate to a different state.

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  9. i live and work in a small town, i work only two days a week and was asked if i wanted more work i would have to move to brisbane, im in north coast nsw. which is closer to queensland than sydney. it would be good, if we could move where ever we could. for a better job. more money means i could buy my own house one day.

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  10. there is alot of safety issues that some tenants are faced with and moving over state boarders is a better idea, if only houseing would get off their butts and open their eyes to WHAT we all WANT & NEED we might move into the future!

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  11. hi, i have a job waiting for me, in another state, ive been in housing accom for 10 years, im single with a child and cannot afford full rent, regular rental market. This system is preventing people like myself from ever getting ahead,,, im so confused does the government want us to stay impovished???

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  12. I agree with this last comment. There are lots of people in DOH housing NSW who would benefit from moving interstate to take advantage of numerous employment opportunities. I myself have missed out on quite a lot because of this ruling. For the third last comment. Yes some people do want to get away from potential or repetitive harrasment and domestic violence from their ex-partners, neighbors or the like of their troubles knowing where to find them. Some people would like the opportunity to start a new life away from troubles, poverty or even just be close to their sick relatives. Wake up Department of Housing and smell the coffee beans

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    1. Living in public housing does not encourage working. A single person can only earn $480 per week to be eligible for public housing in WA. Once u start working your rent goes up until u become ineligible for public housing. (U can earn more if u have a child/ren).

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  13. I always want move to Canberra where my children live are now as I am very worry over me as in near future no one will look after me while I live Sydney as why i always want swap go to canberra so where my daughter will look after me ,also need close family as well

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    1. And id love to move to sydney from canberra . Go figure.....

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    2. I have been in my housing for 35 years. I am now raising my 3yr old grandson. My mother is 83 and lives in Bega on her own. I need a transfer to south coast to be closer to her. I am retired to look after my medical condition mother.. Housing what is your problem especially if i could get a swap ????

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    3. I'd love to move from Melbourne to Sydney😊

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  14. i think interstate swaps should be allowed due to being diagnosed with rhuematiod arthritis it is killing me living in qld the heat and humidity is so bad for me i would love to be able to move south and im sure there are others out the with the same problems wanting to move north i cant see the problem as we all pay rent

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  15. I agree with everyone else. Interstate swaps SHOULD be allowed. I have elderly family in another state who need looking after but we are unable to swap interstate. We waited 5 years on a list to get where we are now and that was 10 years ago. Now my concern is that if we give up this place we will have to wait years for another interstate. This is unfair.Why can't DOH become client friendly it would make life so much nicer.

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  16. I'm an older woman and would love to move back to Tasmania to be near my friends as i now have no one to help me in this area.
    Seems to me getting any transfer is like trying to win Lotto.
    Even if we are in danger from bad tenants.

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  17. Yes I totally agree with all of you. This system is so antiquated,it`s time to change policies and bring them into the 21st century!Things change constantly,work, family situations,isolation, we should be able to change States as the need arises.

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  18. It seems there are a few of us who would like to swap interstate. Can we perhaps start some sort of online petition that can be delivered to the minister.

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  19. Hi

    I agree with all and I think we should all write to our local member and see if they can do anything about it. With young members they would see the benifit and hopefully push it through parliment.

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  20. Hi I agree. I had to move interstate to escape Domestic Violence and had to give up a house I had been in 10 years. Now I am paying full rent and have a son who is so traumatised he cannot attend school so I am unable to work. If I had of been able to swap we would have been better off as now we are looking at years to get another DoH house and in the meantime am so broke that some days I dont eat so my children can. This system is disgusting and we are all caterogised as scumbags just because we need some help.

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    1. I Agree That interstate swaps should be able to happen as there are many reason why people whant to swap interstate like the Domestic Violence and evan people who have been Sexually Assulted or there children have been a victum of some kind of Violence i'll bet if it was either them selfs or someone close to them they allow it so why dont they change there Rules there Stuip Rules Anyhow there something we should be able to do to change the Rules

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  21. I, for one, have started looking interstate for work. As a longtime tenant, I feel that swapping interstate with another tenant or a transfer to a vacant property with the departments assistance, would allow me to concentrate on a new job without further worries as basically I would be uprooting my life and moving away from everything familiar to me. In turn, after some time on a better income I believe it will enable me to confidently vacate public housing into my own home leaving the property for somebody with a higher need.

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  22. Been there , never again..November 14, 2010 at 9:51 AM

    What happened to you anon is exactly why I won't get into another relationship while I have my house. I've been through domestic violence and was homeless that's why I got my house in the first place. I'd rather stay single so my children have somewhere stable to live rather than having to leave then going on the list all over again. I have dated and if a man wants to see me and I like him then that's fine , I go to his place and he can visit mine , but he will never LIVE with me, no way, my house is for my children..

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  23. Yes I would like to swap interstate, housing have to many restrictions on peoples lives,which restricts them from new opportunities, leaving people in a rut in most cases. When you apply for a transfer to a area out of your zone department of housing make it impossible to do so, they only allow a transfer if you have family in the area or support in that area, or a reason to move there like work. Maybe a persons doesn't want family around as the family cause the problems, it is also hard to get a job in a area unless you live there already. So moving interstate would also come under scrutiny, if you have family there that would most probably make a difference to being able to move but if you don't how dare anyone move to start a new life to start over again how dare any one have dreams of new opportunity in a area they haven't lived in or know someone in or haven't yet gained work in, basically it is pathetic and impossible when dealing with housing. Also why don't housing have a public listing for people waiting for transfers and mutual exchange. I am sure we would save them a lot of time and effort and money finding what suits our needs instead of housing giving slim pickings to choose from.

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  24. I agree with all of you to swap interstate.,I tried and failed, what we need is get a petition moving, go to your local MP with signatures. Its obvious we all live in a neighbourhood of DOH, start there! If your need is to be near your loved ones, get them also to voice their concerns also, that way we have a two-way voice. Why live in an area where it is not practical socially, mentally physically and economically unsuitable for one reason or another. The Govt has spent billions on health reforms for years and they still cant get it right,why should you be a statistic regardless whose in office a major concern. 'Dont Give Up' eventually someone will benefit from this, we gotta be heard. United We Stand Divided We Fall!!

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  25. I wrote to the Federal Housing minister Mark Arbib about the difficulties in moving interstate.
    His response was respectful and considerate.
    He is aware of the issue and said:

    "I can inform you that the Gillard Government is working with the states and territories on reform measures to improve affordable housing for Australians.

    One reform involves developing protocols to facilitate greater portability within jurisdictions for public housing tenants.

    This includes policies to assist tenants to move to an area where job opportunities are better or where family support is available, and requires portability to be integrated with existing waiting list protocols.

    These reforms include improved portability for public housing tenants who have extenuating circumstances and need or are required to move interstate, and are also being considered by Housing Ministers during 2010."

    Hopefully something may eventuate.

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  26. Hi I think its well passed time to allow people to transfer interstate,My husband and I are in Qld all our family is in NSW all was ok for the last 12 yrs but my hubby has dementia and i am by myself we have few friends but they have their own problems if i could move to NSW I would have the help I am going to need.It isnt right Thank you

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  27. The goverment needs to hire social workers to run the offices of social housing, people with social understandings that can strategize to make social housing work. Dept Housing are housing a vast array of disadvantage people with different complexities and social workers should be combating our housing problems and exchanges and transfers. Not hire people who are admin workers, ill equipt and with no empathy to deal with social issues eg socioeconomically disadvantaged, mental health, domestic violence, family support, humanitarism ect ect...But I suppose if they hired social workers they would start to question the housing system and advocate for change, they would be in effect working for us then lol. The goverment has social housing so it appears that they do a good job supporting disadvataged groups. Thanks for my house but wow we don't get treated with any consideration or respect.

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  28. I feel all of your pain here. As much as I am grateful to have been offered affordable housing in Sydney - at a time I was battling cancer and not expected to recover - I am looking to move to Melbourne for a new start. I have grown tired of the stigma and stereotyping lumped upon me as a public housing tenant and of society's resentment towards us in general, but simply can't afford the cost and instability of private renting. It's just not an option, especially since I cannot work full-time. And now that I have lost my job of over 10 years through no fault of my own (a publishing job that was recently "migrated to Malaysia"), I am thinking a move would be prudent. But now I find there is no option for me to do this and to attempt to get ahead. Just so frustrating.

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  29. It would be wonderful to be able to transfer interstate. I, and several other ladies in our complex, feel completely trapped here. There are 3 males living here and only one could be called a man. The others are terrible. I certainly dont want to be living here in twelve months.

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  30. I see so many want an interstate transfer, lets bind together and get it happening as waiting for DoH is like waiting for the lotto numbers... Can we all put into writing to a government department and abolish this stupid rule I mean if we can protest in numbers then it can happen I am sure of that...

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    1. You're still young aren't you?
      The forward planning of the elected government extends to the next election.
      They really don't care about us in the real world proven by the number of election promises that are not only broken but are expected to be broken because they're "only" election promises.

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  31. Yes, I have done just that and sent a copy of this page to the federal minister of social housing, Mr Arbib. Do we have to wait for the next Premier's conference to get interstate transfers happening? I hope not!

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  32. I live in Canberra, and want a move to Sydney Eastern Suburbs, I have no family left in Canberra, my daughter was murdered here, so I really think it's a very good reason to move near family, for support for each other, my health is suffering, the court case is still ongoing, my daughter was the only daughter I had left here.
    I have written to the Housing Minister of NSW, and got a reply, they gave certain circumstances when you can move, one was domestic violence, so people, check that one out, don't rely on local housing for information.
    I do have a couple of other reasons, just waiting for more information.
    I am on a disability pension, so private rent is out of the question, how can I work in the state I'm in when court is ongoing, I will be seeing a forensic psychologist next week to help me live with the murder of my daughter.
    They used to swap, so I don't know why they have changed this, probably can't be bothered, and more paper work, no cost to housing, and would mean a great deal to me, to be able to live near family.

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  33. Due to 4 breaches of Domestic Violence - I need to move interstate to get family support and to feel safe.
    But Im stuck here frighten and run down.
    There must be something we can do???

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  34. I believe that if you have a good raiting with doh as in looking after your plac e and up to date with the rent you should be allowed to swap any where in aus you like.. they allow it in each state but not interstate it dont make sense change the law

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  35. Each State and Territory Housing Body belongs to each state, they all have long waiting lists. I disagree with house swap intrastate, because it is unfair on people who are waiting on public housing.

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    1. I don't understand your thinking here. If a person already in housing in ie NSW wants to swap with someone in housing in Vic how is it unfair they are both already in housing so therefore they would not be taking anything away from those on the waiting list.

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    2. No you have it all wrong. The person wanting to transfer interstate would otherwise stay in their property. A transfer is not a vacancy.

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  36. Agree totally,Ill be on DSP for life due to an illness I have, acceptance...I would love nothing more than to get in an old tinny and fish up on the north coast somewhere.I did put in a few ads for unit swaps [Im in Adelaide]so as to have a cheap holiday,as most of us dont have the luxury of an expensive holiday , and we need it too .

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  37. Absolutely! I live on the Sunshine Coast Qld in a public housing duplex with a neighbour from hell. But I want to move to Northern NSW to be nearer to my son and daughter in law. I have to be a NSW resident to be eligible but I can't afford to pay private rental for five or six years there while I'm waiting for my name to come up. What do they expect me to do?

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  38. I think we should all put our writing skills to work and write to Canberra strongly suggesting they look into merging Government/Social Housing in Australia. There is obviously a need here. Here's the contact for the Federal Minister for Housing and Community Services: http://www.alp.org.au/federal-government/labor-people/jenny-macklin/

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    1. Great idea Pamela. They need to change all public housing from state to federal and simplify the whole process.

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  39. my elderly neighbour is living on his own in a 4 bedroom house, his kids have all moved to Melbourne, and he would love to be able to move near them. The SAHT have often commented that they can move him to a smaller place, but he has said if they give him one in Melbourne, he would be happy to move, there is no way he could afford to move to be closer to familly and pay private rental.

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  40. i live in sydney but my family is in qld i have severe health problems and so has my husband i need to go to warmer climate as well as family support i cannot see any reason if your rent is up to date and you look after your property and someone is willing to swap why we cannot after all we are one country.

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  41. I have been in my 2br unit for 15 years,all my family live in QLD. I have diabetes type 1 for 50yrs, have had 2 minor strokes that has affected the left side of mybody and balance,Isuffer from depression. I have been on the trasfer list for 10 yrs, all they have offered me are pensioner units in Tweed Heads.NOW THEY HAVE TAKEN ME OFF. So now I am looking to rent privately in QLD. I am having trouble finding something I can afford. Good luck to all. Lynda.

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  42. Hi everyone I am on the waiting list here in wa for a seniors unit and would be grateful if the DOH would allow interstate swaps as sometime in the future I may have to move back to nsw to be able to be looked after by my family . I have a serious heart condition which is expected to deteriorate , I also have other health issues which affect my mobility . I am waiting to be housed here but seem to be disadvantaged as I changed areas and am now at the bottom of the list again , as they say I am taking away from someone else's place in that area ? I thought people could put down for any area without being disadvantaged ?? but obviously not ? Yes I think that the DOH should get on with this swap interstate .

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  43. If interstate swap was possible we would move back to perth in a heartbeat,we have looked at private rentals but could never afford that,even if we did it would be years before we would ever be re-housed,its about time they changed the law and allowed interstate exchange..........

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    1. I would like to swap back to nsw but homeswest said no way but why ?? if both parties agree then why not ??

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  44. It's all about control. I rang and got a very bossy woman who said "It's impossible!" when I asked about transferring from qld to nsw to be closer to family. The old conservatives like to wallow in the status quo, and any new idea is beyond their ken; and outside their comfort zone. If public housing was federalised it would streamline the whole process. After the transition period there would be far less paperwork, not more.

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  45. I'm Annie, I'm not a tenant, my brother is. He has brain damage from a car accident and has been living in Sydney with his partner for 10 years. She died last night. He will not cope on his own and now we find out we can't transfer him to QLD so his family can support him, which is criminal.

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    1. Annie try your local member to have your brother put on the emergency accomadation list waiving the years of waiting it is cases like yours that should be given priority, as interstate transferrs are not an option use your elected officials god knows they rarely do anything once elected hold them accountable. Get potitions email, write, phone on a regular basis. Or put your brother on a boat just off shore & claim asylum. Treasonous Gov's on both sides.

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  46. Housing in general has problems considering any applicant that appears in need the states run the dept's but is it not federal funding? Inter state transfers should be made possible. Any premier should be happy to have most housing tennants as it is us that spend our cash fortnightly keeping the local economy alive. We are not the drain on a state that some suggest. Then there are those who work full time trying to get ahead only to find unreasonable demands placed on them by bureacrats to stupid to get out of their own way. How many times have we had to put up with Housing staff attitudes making tennants feel like scum. Save it for those that abuse the right to be in housing. These public servants are amongst the laziest you can encounter with stress leave rostered days off annual leave is it any wonder nothing gets done asking them to consider interstate transferrs would simply be to much for them I note they never answer the question directly it's simply Oh no it's not alloud. I will show as anonymous but housing will know who i am after my recent letters to my local menmber complaining about the lack of support were proven.

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  47. I asked to be allowed to transfer interstate due to being stalked and harassed in the state I am in. I asked local, state and federal mp's, housing managers and police. To no avail. I live in fear everyday. How hard can a swap be with people who hold a state housing place and they want to swap with me?

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    1. I was told by an State government police officer that you can transfer your public housing interstate if you can get police onside. Problem for me was that various State police were doing the stalking and harassing and stealing and defaming. It's the big picture that's the problem. Australian law is based upon reasonableness yet there is little or no reasonableness emanating from the law makers in parliament. If I was wrong in that statement then we would have been enjoying interstate public housing transfers for as long as there have been public housing department rentals.

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  48. I would like to swap back to nsw where all my family lives but am unable to swap with anyone there . I want the government to allow this to happen as it cant be that hard really .

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    1. hi i have wanted to move two goald oast for 8yrs i live on the central coast and most of my family live qland
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  49. Hi I live in perth and have an over 55s 2 bedroom villa which I would love to be able to swap with someone from over nsw as all my family is there . My health is failing and I need to be near my children but homeswest wont allow me to swap . The rules should be changed so that people can be with their families when they get older .

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  50. Im wanting to swap from DOH to community housing,I have seen on this site you can if you have special circumstances,Im wondering if anyone has the policy details?

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  51. I asked about this once and was told you can not transfer from DOH to community housing as you already have housing.
    We need to abolish state governments - they were established in an era when we had very different needs, before transport and communication made the world a very small place.

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  52. Yes, that's rather obvious.
    However if any public servant can make life devastatingly horrible for any person the public servant deems is of less value than they are then they will and will do that as often as possible and with the utmost pride. More often than not they will also boast about their achievements putting all the blame at the feet of their victim.

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  53. I would love to be able to swap back to nsw to be closer to my family as I had to move to wa because of domestic violence ten years ago .

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  54. Trying to relocate from Melbourne to Sunshine Coast. I'm on a urgent transfer list due to urgent redevelopment ( major upgrades and repairs to town house with severe mold problems) and overcrowding. Been on waiting list for 3 years.. Checked Qld government housing website and found that they allow interstate people to apply if they can prove that they will be moving to Qld. I will try and get onto the priority waiting list in Qld on the grounds that I will stay with family in Qld as I fear for the health of my family due to the bad mold problem. I will see what happens and keep you updated

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  55. Is it at all possible to make this an election issue? as if we all unite as one & petition the members of parlament ( including local members) the i`m sure if they wish to be elected this may be a stepping stone. just a thought.

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  56. I total agree with you probable to much work for them so people have to supper a rent being paid is a rent being paid

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  57. It is just like playing and checking Australian lotto results for months, waiting for a miracle.

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  58. I also agree with all the comments... I have a HT property in Adelaide, could find job and had to move to Melbourne to work at the Melbourne University paying weekly for a very modest accommodation $350 per week in MLB plus full rent $250 for my housing trust property in ADL. I had to leave my job and move back to ADL. I can't afford to buy a property due to my age and finances. Very frustrating as it's very hard to find a job in Adelaide. And there are some people in MLD who would not mind to move to ADL to re-unite with families and many other reasons. How frustrating!

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  59. I have lived in this 3 bedroom house on the Mid North Coast for 23 years now.
    I am super grateful that we were all safely housed in a stable home, but now, my 3 children have all grown up and live on the Gold Coast.
    We would all love to be closer, my grandchildren wish for more quality time with their grandma too.
    I'd happily downsize to make room for a family that's in need of 3 bedrooms if interstate swap/transfer could be done.

    I accept the fact that I am trapped here forever unless I win lotto or this policy changes!����

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  60. The most ridiculous non swap , is between Canberra ACT, to NSW . ACT is in NSW. ACT tenants are limited to swapping within just Canberra itself. No going anywhere for ACT housing . Cant even swap with NSW . Its stupidity

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