Wednesday, 29 October 2025

 Gabrielle DE VIETRI (Richmond) (09:47): I have spoken at length about the devastating impact that Labor’s plan to demolish all of Victoria’s public housing will have on residents and communities. But in July, without warning, Homes Victoria sent bulldozers in to the Richmond low-rise flats to destroy playgrounds, fences, mature trees and backyards while residents are still living there. It not only caused panic but the destruction crushed and killed cats and possums living there. Over 20 native possums protected under the Wildlife Act 1975 died or fled. Volunteers are now desperately trying to treat or rehome the remaining animals on the estate, who have nowhere safe to go.

[NAME AWAITING VERIFICATION]

But it is not just the Richmond walk-ups that are home to native wildlife and significant trees. Aunty Tracey, a local Yorta Yorta and Gunditjmara woman, has looked after generations of possums that call the large gum trees on the Noone Street estate in Clifton Hill home. With the demolition of these public homes looming, she is worried that Homes Victoria and the government will do what they have done in Richmond – that is, tear through the estate with no warning and no concern for the damage done. If our government will not come to its senses and stop this disastrous project, the least it can do is ensure that no human or animal life is lost.