By Tamara Desiatov
MELBOURNE — There have been squatters for as long as there has been the concept of owning land. At certain times it has been condoned, but not today. Last century, Australian land was settled by the "squattocracy", the landed class which grew rich on convict labour.
For many people today, squatting is an act of necessity. Students, single parents, unemployed and others not eligible for social security often have little choice. In some cases, squatting is also a political act to deny property owners money for rent, and instead to use this money for clothing, food and other necessities.
"Government departments leave buildings empty, yet there is a huge housing list. The logical thing to do is to put your housing [needs] in your own hands", says Genevieve, a spokesperson for the Squatters Information Service, established earlier this year to provide information on squatting and support for squatters.
The Squatters Information Service will soon publish a booklet on the how and why of squatting, including legal questions, maintenance and similar questions. Many squatters recognise the injustice of so many houses being left empty to rot or be vandalised while they do not have a home. Telltale signs of empty accommodation include long grass, junk mail, damaged power lines and unused power meters.
Government buildings are usually easier to squat than privately owned houses because there are often more loopholes in the bureaucratic administration. In some cases objections are not raised, especially when the injustice is highlighted of keeping thousands of people on housing waiting lists while there are empty places available.
Private landlords usually use the excuse that their houses are unsafe and therefore they might be sued should accidents occur.
Genevieve talked about contacting owners to negotiate rent, changing locks and establishing the essential services which legally cannot be denied, and also mentioned the topic of police and evictions.
If damage is caused it should be fixed immediately so that police cannot bring charges of "breaking and entering" or "illegal trespass". The police do not have the right to evict squatters without the landlord's consent.
Some squats have lasted for several years, like Capel St in North Melbourne, which only recently finished after five years, and Rae St in North Fitzroy, which has been going for two years. Privatisation of many government buildings, like post offices in Port Melbourne, has cut short other squats, which nonetheless raised a useful political issue.
The Squatters Information Service is located on the 3rd floor, Ross elbourne. Fridays 1-5 pm. Telephone (03) 650 5442.