Ombudsman's report into Melbourne's public housing towers lockdown provokes mixed response, not all agree apology is needed

Confusion reigned in the initial days after the Victorian Government moved to lock down nine public housing towers in Melbourne's inner north-west earlier this year. Key points: Victoria's ombudsman says residents of nine housing towers deserve an apology for July's lockdown Some residents say the sudden lockdown in July was "inhumane and degrading" But others say an apology isn't needed because authorities did the right thing by protecting residents "We, the community leaders, hadn't been contacted and hadn't been consulted," recalled Saaed Ali, youth engagement director for Muslim social services agency AMSSA Youth Connect. 'Treated like criminals' Some of residents in public housing towers in inner Melbourne said they feel unfairly targeted during COVID-19 lockdown. But she said the "rushed lockdown" breached the human rights of residents and they were entitled to an apology for the "harm and distress caused by the immediacy of their lockdown". Confusion and frustration Photo shows Some residents have reported confusion, frustration and a lack of communication during the lockdown Life inside Melbourne's public housing towers during COVID-19 lockdown.