Each edition we will endeavour to bring you an interview with one of the TAS Workers. For the first edition of TAS TALK Peter O'Dea, one of our Tenant Advocates, volunteered to spill the beans.
How long have you have been at TAS?
I began as a student in August 1997, on Social Work placement. I spent a few periods relieving other workers and have been on contract since July 98.
What sort of work do you do at TAS?
I am a Tenant Advocate so I assist tenants to exercise their rights in relation to the RTA. This includes public and private tenants.
Can you give us some examples of the work you do?
I act as an advocate in Homeswest appeals, negotiate on behalf of tenants who have problems with their landlord, prepare tenants for court, staff the advice line and field calls from community agencies.
What do you like about working with TAS?
The people I work with!
I think we are an important agency and we do really good work. I like the focus and the approach we take.
Have there been any highlights?
When you have a win!
When someone has been ripped off and say they don't speak English well or they're illiterate, there's a sense of satisfaction in negotiating a win for them.
What about the downside or lowlights?
When we get contacted by people under threat of eviction at the very last minute. You know there is very little that can be done. I go home to my house and I know these people are out on the streets. That's probably the worst part.
The funniest thing that's happened since you have worked with TAS is?
Besides the stuff you can't print!
I worked with this tenant and we won the case and managed to secure a compensation payment. We tried for months to contact the client but he did not respond to letters or any of our attempts. I found out where he was working on the weekends and so I thought I would drop by. When he saw me coming he started backing right off as if I was after him for something. The tenant was under the impression that he owed us money and didn't realise we had money to give to him.
I've never had so much trouble trying to get rid of $200.
I'd like to see ....
A network model for tenancy services in WA.