Independent audit into tenancy management of Mr Robert Roll

An independent audit will be undertaken into the Department of Housing's management of the tenancy of Mr Robert Roll, whose body was discovered in a department unit on July 7, 2011.

The audit will also consider the extent to which the department has implemented the recommendations of the Auditor General's 2010 report into the fitting and maintenance of safety devices.

Housing Minister Troy Buswell said he was not satisfied with the explanation of the situation provided by the department after Mr Roll's body was discovered 18 months to two years after he died.

"The information I received contained discrepancies in regard to the last contact the department had with Mr Roll, and my main concern is that the department's systems showed that an inspection was undertaken in 2010, when an inspection did not actually occur," Mr Buswell said.

"Whether this was caused due to human error or improper actions, we need to make sure this doesn't happen again.

"The audit will examine the circumstances around the discovery of Mr Roll's body, as well as the department's tenancy management actions throughout the history of Mr Rolls' tenancy.

"It will also look at the actions taken to identify and test safety devices in Mr Roll's unit, and overall tenancy management at the complex at 601 Wellington Street."

The Minister said the audit would also consider the implementations of the recommendations of the Auditor General's 2010 report, given several of the recommendations related to records systems as well as procedures such as property inspections.

"While the department is finalising a report on its own response to the Auditor General's report, it seems logical to have an independent body also scrutinise this response, particularly when we are engaging someone to look at similar issues relating to Mr Roll's case," he said.

"I expect the audit will identify any key concerns or weaknesses in the department's management of Mr Roll's tenancy and any continuing issues around systems and procedures, with recommendations as to how these may be improved."

The audit will be undertaken by KPMG. It will commence this month and is expected to take eight weeks.

Minister's office - 9213 6900