The Andrews Labor government is making renting simpler for Victoria’s migrant communities with a series of multilingual videos that explain tenants’ rights and responsibilities.
Minister for Consumer Affairs Marlene Kairouz and Member for Western Metropolitan Cesar Melham launched the videos at the Western Community Legal Centre (WEstjustice) in Werribee today.
First released in Dari, the animated clips have now been dubbed in Arabic, Karen and Swahili for the benefit of Victoria’s growing Iraqi, Syrian, Myanmar and Congolese communities.
They have been translated into languages based on the top five countries of birth for people granted visas in Victoria, and cover a range of important topics such as starting and ending a lease, bonds, repairs and condition reports.
Rental processes in Victoria can be very different from those overseas, and new migrants who are not fluent in English often find it difficult to navigate the rental market. People who have spent a lot of time in refugee camps may have never rented a home.
Consumer Affairs Victoria has partnered with refugee and migrant settlement agency AMES Australia to share the videos with their clients.
The videos can be found on the Consumer Affairs Victoria website in , , , and .
Quotes attributable to Minister for Consumer Affairs Marlene Kairouz
“It’s important all Victorians can understand their rights and responsibilities as tenants – regardless of where they were born or what language they speak.”
“These educational videos are designed to help our newest arrivals take control of the rental process and make the most of their lives here in Victoria.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Metropolitan Cesar Melham
“The renting process in Victoria can be different from many places overseas and it can be difficult for new migrants to know where to begin.”
“This project will help make renting a straightforward process for those who need extra support.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020