Victoria’s housing department has been accused of neglect, after revelations a woman was sleeping by her brother’s body in a Newtown unit for several years.
The grim discovery was made in late 2022, when the woman was arrested on an unrelated matter.
The public housing property was also found to be in a horrendous condition, with rubbish piled up and dead animals inside.
Neighbours say they raised concerns several times in the past few years, but were shocked when a body was found inside.
It has been revealed a guardian for the man kept paying the rent.
Opposition leader John Pesutto said heavy workloads on department staff could be to blame.
“‘We’re seeing now right across Victoria in community services generally, that workers in the system working on behalf of the Victorian people have enormous case loads,” he said.
Mr Pesutto said he was also worried the tenants may have fallen through the cracks.
“I’m interested to know whether that has affected the frequency with which homes are visited and clients of departmental support are overseen.”
However, Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas would not speculate on why it took so long to find the man’s body.
“This matter is currently under investigation,” she said.
“We do have systems in place to make sure welfare checks are made appropriately on people who are vulnerable in our community.”
The man’s sister has not been charged over his death.
