The Assistance Protocol for Residential Park Closures provides a framework for co-operation between government agencies to ensure residents displaced by a park closure have access to the services and support they need. The Protocol was developed by the Department of Housing in conjunction with the Office of Fair Trading and other agencies.

The key focus of the Protocol is to co-ordinate targeted assistance to individuals and families who are most vulnerable and at risk of homelessness.

Under the law, park owners must advise the Department of Housing of a proposed closure and the Protocol will be activated at this time. Park residents and community workers can also contact the Department if they have information about a possible park closure.

In particular, the Protocol:

• sets out the roles of a range of Commonwealth, State, local government and non-government services in a co-operative approach so that residents are relocated in a timely, orderly and dignified manner;
• requires the establishment of a Park Closure Liaison Officer within the Department of Housing;
• outlines how a closure response team is to be established who will develop an assistance plan for each resident and ensure residents are aware of their rights under the law;
• details how applications for assistance from residents are to be processed; and
• provides for reporting on the closure process and development of a communications strategy so that all affected parties continue to be informed on the progress of the closure.