By LAURA WAKELY
VICTIMS of last year’s Boxing Day storms have called for a public inquiry as people struggle to rebuild their homes six months on.
About 150 people packed into the Keilor Downs Community Centre for an emotional meeting about the delays in repairing damage from the storms.
Keilor MP Natalie Hutchins organised the meeting for residents and the Insurance Council of Australia, Ombudsman and insurance companies, including AAMI, APIA and CGU, also attended.
Murray Morgan, who has been working with those residents still waiting on repairs for six months said the meeting had given those people a chance to speak face-to-face with insurers about their problems.
Some of the issues include rooves still missing, water and mould in the walls after repairs and even electrical repairs that were identified as fire risks.
At least 12 families that attended the meeting revealed they were still living in temporary accommodation, in some cases waiting for insurance approval to demolish homes completely destroyed in the storms.
But there has also been a toll on health, with some people getting asthma for the first time in their lives, others developing depression and anxiety and relationships breaking down.
“The meeting was quite overwhelming,” Ms Hutchins said.
“A lot of very, very emotional stories, a few tears in the room, a lot of frustration and anger.
“A lot of people have had their homes assessed and have had no work done since.”
Ms Hutchins said she had raised the issues in Parliament several times but had no response.
“I was really shocked and appalled when I got a copy of what the State Government had done to help flood victims, and I’m glad they helped them, but… why are the outer western suburbs being ignored yet again?”
She said residents were calling for a public inquiry to look at the response to the storms and how people had been treated.
A spokesperson from the Department of Human Services (DHS) said the government issued $1.1 million in emergency relief and re-establishment payments to 522 people who applied for help after the storms, but said the eligibility period for this financial assistance expired weeks ago.
The spokesperson said the DHS maintained close contact with Brimbank Council and had not had residents approaching the council for assistance.
“DHS recognises that the stress following emergencies, and the difficulties faced undertaking household repairs, can cause tensions in relationships,” the spokesperson said.
He advised people to contact Relationships Australia on 1800 050 321.
