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.

Contact the host of Human Rights in Housing Practice