IVAN STILL HOMELESS

Courtesy Ivan Ring Wyatt.

The Department of Communities has refused to communicate with a homeless Noongar and Yamaji man directly, telling him he must use a recognised advocate.

A Department spokesman said Ivan Ring Wyatt, 51, had had two tenancies with the Department.

“The second was terminated by the Perth Magistrates Court in March 2014 for repeated disruptive behaviour, attracting numerous complaints and frequent visits to the property by WA Police,” he said.

“Communities must ensure the safety and wellbeing of other residents, neighbours and staff when considering what action to take when tenants fail to abide by the terms of their tenancy agreement.

“Since 2014, Mr Ring has lodged five applications for housing assistance that have been withdrawn due to abusive, threatening, and intimidating behaviour towards Department of Communities’ staff, failure to provide supporting evidence and failure to engage with support services.”

He said Department of Communities’ staff liaised with many people who may be under duress but it was not appropriate for contact with staff to be abusive, threatening or intimidating.

“Communities has advised Mr Ring that he may apply for further housing assistance, however he must present supporting evidence of changes in his behaviour and support for further housing assistance with clear advice on what actions have been taken,” the spokesman said.

Mr Ring Wyatt contacted Ngaarda Media last week, saying Communities’ staff had treated him disrespectfully on a number of occasions.