Sydney fire exposes dangers of dodgy lodgings
The Accommodation Association of Australia says it is "deeply concerned" by the recent fire in Sydney, which endangered students staying in illegal accommodation.
The fire, which occurred in an industrial area of the city, unearthed an illegal cluster of so-called student accommodation, with residents living in caravans and old shipping containers.
"Revelations surrounding the incident are just shocking," said the association’s chief executive, Richard Munro.
He said it was "astounding, and downright lucky" that the incident had not resulted in a far more catastrophic outcome.
"The situation of illegal accommodation is widespread and clearly unsafe, and importantly is not only contained to cheap student accommodation.
"There has been a recent surge in illegal, non-compliant accommodation through the use of new companies using residential homes or other structures as accommodation options.
"These offer no safety or protection to short stay tourists and breach existing legislation," Munro said.
The association is forming a working group to ensure that adequate laws are strengthened via the 2015 review of building codes and wants regulations strengthened where needed "for the overall protection of consumers and the community".
Ian Jarrett
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