Housing Australia has experienced a significant staff turnover, with over one-quarter of its employees leaving the agency in the past year. Chief Executive Scott Langford revealed that the organization lost 26.07 percent of its staff, comprising 29 voluntary departures among a total of 41 exits, during a recent Senate estimates hearing.
The turnover rate, disclosed on August 31, 2023, raises concerns about workplace culture and governance within the agency, which is responsible for developing 40,000 affordable and social rental homes over five years. Langford addressed questions regarding workplace conditions following an investigation into allegations of bullying against the agency’s chairwoman, Austin.
Details of Departures and Governance Concerns
During the hearing, Langford specified that the departures included eight redundancies, three terminations, and one employee who passed away. The remaining 29 left voluntarily. Greens Senator Barbara Pocock expressed alarm at the turnover rate, stating, “I would be very worried if I was leading an organisation with 25 percent staff turnover.”
In response, Cathie Armour, a member of the Housing Australia board and former commissioner of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), acknowledged the importance of addressing staff concerns. “We’re vitally interested in those,” she said, referencing the need to investigate turnover issues.
Armour attributed some of the staff losses to a recent restructuring initiated by Langford, who took over as CEO approximately a year ago. “We’ve had a restructure as part of the change program at Housing Australia to position the organisation well for the new responsibilities,” she explained.
Grievances and Cultural Impact
Housing Australia’s Chief Operating Officer, Lisa Braid, provided additional context, noting that three staff members had lodged grievances with the organization’s people and culture team in the last year. She clarified that these complaints did not necessarily relate to bullying but pertained to conduct within the organization. Furthermore, three employees have approached the Fair Work Commission, with two complaints resolved during initial conciliation and one withdrawn. Currently, four staff members have active workers’ compensation claims.
The agency has witnessed a notable exodus of senior staff, with at least six of the top eight executives departing since Austin assumed her role in June 2023. This trend has raised questions about the impact of potential cultural issues on the agency’s ability to execute its housing programs effectively.
Armour defended Austin amid the allegations, stating that an investigation commissioned by the Treasury found no formal breaches of conduct on her part. She emphasized that Austin’s attempt to lodge minutes from a board meeting was not unusual and that “there is absolutely nothing exceptional about the behaviour in relation to preparation of minutes.”
As Housing Australia navigates these challenges, the focus remains on ensuring a stable work environment and maintaining its critical mission of providing affordable housing solutions. The ongoing scrutiny from government officials and stakeholders highlights the importance of addressing internal concerns to foster a positive workplace culture moving forward.
