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Criticism over eviction levels

PLCS workers Sue Baker, Micah Buenvenida and Jan Casserly are concerned their client's needs are not being handled efficiently by the Department of Housing.

A not-for-profit group that provides support services for disadvantaged people has criticised the Department of Housing for causing a spike in the level of tenant evictions in Hedland.

In 2013 there were 23 court appearances by Hedland tenants with eight court orders for termination granted, but in 2014 to date, there have been more than 30 appearances already.

The Pilbara Community Legal Service has complained there are too many evictions and not enough people being referred to a Housing Department program that is aimed at saving the tenancy.

The initiative - Support and Tenant Education Program - is delivered by the PCLS and is designed to help people in government housing maintain their tenancy and look after the property.

PCLS chief executive Nanette Williams said STEP was "very good" and funded to support 20 people every six months in the Hedland area.

"But at present there are a number of vacancies for the program," she said.

"The department has been encouraged to refer clients at risk of losing their tenancy to the program as an alternative to proceeding to the eviction process.

"With PCLS's ongoing support via the STEP and via financial counsellors, many tenants in danger of losing their tenancy can be assisted."

PCLS tenancy advocate and education service provider Sue Baker said the effect of the evictions was creating a "revolving door", with often the matriarchs of indigenous families being displaced, which created instability in families across the Pilbara.

But the department's general manager service delivery Steve Parry said when tenants failed to pay rent or water bills, failed to take care of their property or disrupted the lives of their neighbours, appropriate action would be taken. "The region will always attempt to engage a client directly for payment arrangements before proceeding to court action," he said. "The regional office made 268 offers of referral to (STEP in the financial year) 2013-14 and has made 15 to date for 2014-15.

"Engagement with STEP is voluntary and tenants cannot be compelled to participate.

"PCLS is funded by the department to provide services to tenants requiring assistance to help them maintain their tenancies. PCLS is aware that the department is unable to compel tenants to participate if they refuse to engage."

Mr Parry said the department managed more than 36,600 tenancies and has three requirements of tenants: that they pay their rent, look after their homes and get on with their neighbours.