The Allan Labor Government’s promise to deliver 80,000 new homes a year has fallen well short of the mark.
New data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reveals that only 55,653 homes were built over the past year in Victoria, a decrease of 2698 from the previous year.
The Nationals’ Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath raised the community’s concerns about the growing number of rough sleepers with the Minister for Housing in state parliament in May, yet her question remains unanswered.
“Labor must recognise the human toll of its city centric focus that has caused bill stress and stalled regional housing developments.”
“We don’t need statistics to know homelessness is increasing in eastern Victoria, it’s visible in our parks, in cars, and under overpasses,” said Ms Bath.
“Respected organisations like Quantum Support Services provide crucial frontline support, but they are limited by insufficient funding and resources.
“To improve their quality of life, people experiencing homelessness also require tailored recovery plans to help them overcome personal, financial and mental hardships.”
Ms Bath said too many locals were facing extreme hardship.
“Labor’s failure to increase housing stock is pushing more families and individuals onto our streets,” she said.
“People experiencing homelessness deserve action rather than broken promises.
“Regrettably, emergency short-term accommodation such as motel rooms, too often, is the only alternative to rough sleeping.”
Ms Bath called out Labor for backing away from its housing targets instead of prioritising new builds and addressing homelessness.
“The Allan Labor Government is focused on damage control, rather than providing families with a safe and secure roof over their head.
“Labor can’t manage housing, can’t manage homelessness and vulnerable Victorians are paying the price.”
