South Melbourne squatters bed down in protest, refuse to budge

A RAGTAG bunch of squatters have claimed a sought-after public housing property in South Melbourne and are refusing to move out.

The squatters are refusing to leave a public housing home in South Melbourne.

A RAGTAG bunch of squatters have claimed a sought-after public housing property in South Melbourne and are refusing to move out.

The group — who say they are a “bunch of women and gender-diverse people” — are refusing to move out of the two-storey terrace in the swanky suburb.

The Department of Health and Human Services issued demands that they vacate the property last week.

The squatters released a statement on social media ­saying they would not leave in protest at “the government’s harsh treatment of squatters”.

One squatter, Nita Habibi, said the government was kicking them out without giving them time to pack their bags.

Victorian Housing Minister Martin Foley. Picture: Paul Loughnan

The squatters are refusing to leave a public housing home in swanky South Melbourne.

“Squatters should be given the same amount of time as tenants to find alternative ­accommodation. Basic consideration shouldn’t only be ­reserved for those who can ­afford it,” she said.

Citing a Supreme Court injunction delaying an eviction against a group that occupied houses made vacant for the abandoned East-West Link project, she said the group had a legal right to be given more time to illegally occupy the house.

She said they occupied the house only because it was ­vacant for five months.

Housing Minister Martin Foley said no one had the right to illegally occupy a home.

“We ask those illegally squatting in South Melbourne to leave immediately and work with housing officers to receive support if they need it,” he said.

“They are getting in the way of those in need — and it is time that they leave.”

SUPREME COURT BOOTS EAST-WEST LINK SQUATTERS FROM BENDIGO ST