Today, Moonee Valley Legal Service (MVLS) is proud to launch our submission to the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into the Redevelopment of Melbourne’s Public Housing Towers.
This submission is built directly from the powerful, personal stories of the residents of the Flemington and North Melbourne public housing estates, whose lives, homes, and communities are at the centre of the government’s redevelopment plans.
Through our Bicultural Worker Program, we engaged directly with residents to hear their experiences. We learned that the formal inquiry process presented significant barriers for many, including language, digital access, and a deep-seated fear of retribution for speaking out. Concerned that these barriers would silence the most important voices, we collated their testimonies into a single, powerful report to ensure they are heard.
“I think people see it as a building, but… It’s not just a building. It’s a community. It’s a way of life. And you’re destroying that way of life.”
The submission reveals a community in distress, shocked by the lack of prior consultation. The stories capture a profound sense of anxiety and fear of displacement—not just from a building, but from a home. Residents spoke of losing the vital communities they have built over decades, their support networks, local doctors, children’s schools, and places of worship.
The voices of residents are the most critical element in this conversation, yet they are too often the most overlooked. We urge our supporters, community partners, and policymakers to read the full submission and listen directly to the testimonies of the people whose lives are at the heart of this inquiry.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the residents who shared their experiences and entrusted us with their stories. This submission is a testament to their resilience and their right to be heard.