Human Rights in Housing Practice

Make human rights obligations practical, workable and defensible in everyday housing decisions.

Overview

Human rights issues often arise in the middle of already complex housing work – safety concerns, conflicting needs, tight timelines and decisions that can significantly affect renters and staff. Community housing workers are expected to apply the Victorian Charter while balancing risk, fairness, tenancy law and organisational requirements, often with limited time to think it through.

This practical webinar provides clear tools for applying human rights principles in day-to-day decision-making. Participants will learn how to use the reasonable and proportionate test, manage situations where rights conflict, and strengthen the clarity and defensibility of their decisions. The focus is on real housing scenarios and practical steps staff can use immediately.

Why this course matters

• Strengthen defensible decision-making in complex or high-risk tenancy matters

• Reduce uncertainty when Charter obligations intersect with tenancy law

• Improve confidence in applying the reasonable and proportionate test

• Support fair, consistent practice across teams and services

• Improve communication with renters by explaining decisions more clearly

• Reduce escalation by applying rights-informed early intervention approaches

What particpants will learn

• How the Victorian Human Rights Charter applies to community housing decisions

• Practical steps for identifying relevant rights in tenancy and property situations

• Applying the reasonable and proportionate test in real-world scenarios

• A repeatable decision-making framework for rights-aligned housing practice

• Strategies for managing situations where rights conflict or risks are competing

• Approaches that support tenancy sustainment while still managing safety concerns

• How to document reasoning to support defensible decisions

• Clear language for explaining rights-aligned decisions to renters and colleagues

Who should attend

• Housing Officers and Tenancy Practitioners

• Tenancy Sustainment Workers

• Team Leaders and Coordinators

• Housing Managers and Operational Managers

• Complaints and Compliance Staff

• Staff involved in complex decision-making, breaches or VCAT matters

Organisational benefits

• Improved compliance confidence with Charter obligations

• Stronger, more defensible decision-making across tenancy services

• Reduced risk of inconsistent practice and complaints escalation

• Better documentation quality and clearer reasoning in case files

• Improved renter trust through fairer and more transparent decision processes

What participants will receive

• Practical decision-making tools for applying the Charter in housing work

• Frameworks for reasonable and proportionate decision-making

• Examples of how to manage competing rights in complex cases

• Guidance on documentation and communication of rights-aligned decisions

Laura Harris

Laura has over 18 years of experience in the community sector, and has devoted her career to championing Human Rights, Social Inclusion, Homelessness, and Social Housing. Laura has held executive and leadership roles and managed diverse portfolios, including business development, accreditation, quality, legal compliance, digital transformation, and construction development. Laura has a Bachelor of Science (Global Studies & Global Health) and a Masters of Human Rights Law (LLM). 

Laura is now a specialist housing consultant based in NE Victoria. 

Leisa Makszin

Leisa has 20 years’ experience in the community housing sector working in management roles across all aspects of strategy and operations, providing leadership in developing services and building the capability of staff.  Prior to that Leisa had extensive experience in business management and the education sector.  Leisa has qualifications in Business Management, Sustainability, Training and Assessment, Tenancy and Property Law and Quality Management.  Leisa now works as a specialist housing consultant.