Wednesday, 1 May 2024

Housing

David HODGETT (Croydon) (19:09): (625) My adjournment is for the Minister for Housing, and the action I seek is for the minister to fix the priority public housing waitlist so that my constituent in the following circumstances can be placed into priority and stable housing, which she urgently requires. Bronwyn is 66 years old and has been on the priority access list – special housing needs for over-55s – for over three years now. Bronwyn has also been looking for an affordable private rental for over 10 years. In recent years Bronwyn’s 92-year-old mother has had to leave the family home and move into an aged care facility. The family are looking to sell the family home to finance Mum’s ongoing care moving forward, which will leave Bronwyn homeless.

Bronwyn is a type 1 diabetic who requires dialysis at Maroondah Hospital three times a week. She has significant hearing loss and has a cochlear implant which is in desperate need of an upgrade, which she cannot afford. Bronwyn does not drive and relies on public transport to get to her frequent dialysis appointments. She pays for private health insurance to ensure she receives the additional care she requires for her diabetes and dialysis; however, this depletes a large portion of her income.

In the past she has been told by housing support services to seek accommodation at caravan parks as far away as Warburton. This is not an option for Bronwyn as she requires access to Maroondah Hospital for her dialysis. My office has inquired in the past if Bronwyn can be accommodated in one of the brand new social housing apartments built in Lusher Road, Croydon. With this new facility now open, this space would be perfect for Bronwyn as it is close to public transport and the hospital and would ensure that she would not become homeless before she is placed in a suitable home.

Minister, I urge you to fix the priority public housing waitlist and help change the circumstance of Bronwyn by providing her with priority housing, which she urgently requires and deserves. I would be happy to provide further details of my constituent to you in order for you to provide assistance.