Housing trial under review

DHA is reviewing the results of a trial designed to make it easier for personnel to find a home in a new posting locality.

Under the trial, held from March to May, some members who had received a posting were sent a letter with a tear-off card and reply paid envelope to help speed up confirmation of posting intentions.

The quicker the members returned this information, the quicker their homes were able to be listed on HomeFind - which means more choice for other members and their families.

Once the results of the trial are evaluated, DHA hopes to implement this new process for all personnel who receive a posting.

National Operations Manager Kevin O’Brien said DHA took customer service seriously and regularly surveyed Defence members to identify problem areas.

Results from the latest DHA annual relocation survey show that 80 per cent of members are satisfied with the total relocation experience managed by DHA, and 62 per cent are satisfied with the process of finding their new home.

“While most Defence Force Members who we help move are satisfied with the overall experience, the feedback we have been getting from is that we could make the process of finding their new home easier,” Mr O’Brien said.

“The key is an early indication of which homes will be available. Faster listing of homes to HomeFind will result in earlier selection of homes for Defence members and their families.”

To make this happen, DHA asks members to submit their preferred arrangements as soon as possible after they receive their posting orders.

To search for a home online, visit www.homefind.com.au. To contact DHA’s customer service line, phone 1800 249 711.