City of Casey giving out incorrect advise to rental residents

I can't recall if I mentioned this in my first post, however when I sat the interview by the City of Casey for the grant to relocate, I was informed we could just break our lease. I advised the worker that that was incorrect and that there would be a process within the Residential Tenancies Act to follow and it would probably require an application to VCAT. I also suggested they check their information, rather then giving out incorrect information. It wasn't very well received, of course I was there in the capacity of a begging resident, not someone with over 10 years experience in the community welfare sector!!

So on the following Monday, I contacted the Victorian Tenants Union, seeking advice on the issue. I was advised it was complex and I needed to attend an interview at North Fitzroy, they couldn't assist me. I tried to explain that that was impossible, but it didn't really matter. I also explained about the incorrect info given out by the council and my concern that this would lead to rental residents getting into trouble with their lease. I asked if they could liaise with the City of Casey to ensure they were giving out the correct information. I was informed that that was not their responsibility. Nothing like everyone pitching in in a disaster! I requested to speak to a manager and was deferred to Consumer Affairs Victoria.

I then spoke with Consumer Affairs who provided me with the accurate information on the process I needed to take if I wanted to end my lease. again I asked that someone contact to council to ensure they were giving out correct information.

Last night I met a victim of this poor advise, a tenant who vacated their home, upon the advise of the EMT and the council. They thought they could just end their lease, when you have to apply through VCAT. Consequently they are now being taken to VCAT by their landlord for the bond, as they broke their lease. I am appalled, I am disgusted......if that resident looses her bond, the City of Casey should refund it to her, as it was their poor advice that lead to the situation. Working in this area, the first thing you NEVER EVER do is give information that you are not entirely sure about. I wonder how many more will be affected, I certainly informed the Major and an MP about the incorrect information provided....however i am certain nothing will come of that..