Thursday, 2 May 2024

Ministers statements: housing

Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier) (14:39): As part of our plan to build more homes right across the state, I am delighted to update the house on how that plan includes building more homes around the Suburban Rail Loop. We have seen how Victorians have backed in our Big Build, and they want us to get on and deliver the programs across the state and also the Suburban Rail Loop – a project that is not just building a train line but also about how we are building communities at the same time. By 2026, 4000 Victorians will be working on the Suburban Rail Loop. Tunnel-boring machines will be in the ground as we progress this vitally important project, and as part of that we are also doing the work now to support more homes being built close to transport, close to jobs, close to health services and close to schools, universities and TAFEs. This is where we know Victorians want more choices about where they live and where they raise a family. These suburbs sound just like the communities around Hawthorn, for example, an established suburb with schools, public transport and where we know more and more renters are flocking.

It has been brought to my attention that there is a new housing policy – a yimby–nimby policy, something that has brought both those two elements together. There is the yes in Melton and Berwick and Yuroke for more homes in those communities but no in Malvern and Brighton and Yarra. There is more affordable housing, but just do not put it anywhere near some established suburbs. This yimby–‍nimby policy is saying yes in Kalkallo but no in Kew, yes in Cranbourne but no in Caulfield, and even yes in Hastings but absolutely not in Hawthorn. This is why it is only a Labor government that is looking at how we can build more homes right across Victoria, giving people more choice about where they live.

Annabelle Cleeland: On a point of order, Speaker, regarding overdue questions, I am currently waiting on 18 overdue questions on notice, and it would be great if the Minister for Housing, the Minister for Crime Prevention, the Minister for Agriculture, the Minister for Environment, the Minister for Early Childhood and Pre-Prep, the Minister for Emergency Services and the Attorney-General could all please send a response. In particular I would like to point out questions 508, 509 and 510 directed to the Minister for Emergency Services, which are now 286 days overdue. I would also like to ask the Minister for Housing to get back to me with responses to eight questions that are now overdue. I will save your time and not list the 18 overdue questions and will pass them to the Clerk.

Cindy McLeish: On a point of order, Speaker, I noticed during the last question time when you asked the member for Tarneit to leave the chamber that he just did so without acknowledging the Chair, and I just wanted to make sure that that was brought to your attention, because I am not sure you were aware of it at the time and perhaps you might need –

The SPEAKER: Thank you, member for Eildon.