Thursday, 8 February 2024

 Jackson TAYLOR (Bayswater) (17:29): (520) There is nothing more important than having a roof over your head, and that is why the Allan Labor government is delivering huge reforms to deliver more social housing and to make housing more affordable. Not too long ago we announced the single biggest investment into social housing in our nation’s history: $5.3 billion to deliver 12,000 new dwellings to support those who need it. This is our largest of many social housing projects being delivered in every single corner of our state, including in Knox. The action I am seeking is for the Minister for Housing to join me at a social housing project in Knox for a tour and an opportunity to discuss further the importance of these projects in the Knox community.

We are now well on our way to delivering on those 12,000 dwellings, but we know there is more to do. That is why we released our bold housing statement last year with the aim to deliver 800,000 new homes over the next decade to make housing more affordable. The statement, which is our commitment, will also deliver more social housing and better and quicker decision-making, will further protect renters rights and will deliver a new long-term housing plan that works for Victorians, not against them. This is not easy work, and there will absolutely be challenges along the way, but it is absolutely essential to ensure we are doing all we can to increase housing supply to ensure a fair go for young people and people of all ages who want to own a home, and it is work to ensure our current planning system does not hold us back.

I have said it time and time again: I will always be on the side of more social housing and reforms to encourage sensible planning outcomes that enable more affordable housing where people want to live, and I am very proud to be part of a government that is delivering on exactly that.