Wednesday, 3 December 2025

 Nicole WERNER (Warrandyte) (10:37): In one year Victorians face a profound choice about the future of our state and the direction it is going. After 11 years of Labor, the cost of living is getting harder, pride in Victoria has been lost and too many people feel we are heading in the wrong direction. Debt keeps climbing, interest costs keep going up and, because Labor cannot get a handle on the books, they keep slugging Victorians with more and more taxes to try and pay it off, with 63 new or increased taxes since they came to government – with more to be introduced. This means less money for services that matter. At the same time crime is rising, hospital waiting lists are too long and the dream of a home is slipping away for our next generations. I am proud to take on the role of Shadow Minister for Home Ownership and Housing Affordability, because housing is the foundation of security and opportunity, and it is the great Australian dream. We believe in that great Australian dream for young Victorians, for new migrants and for all Victorians here in our state. Our Liberal and Nationals team has clear priorities for Victoria’s future: strengthen the economy, ease cost-of-living pressures, end the crime crisis and keep families safe, deliver a world-class health system and give every Victorian the best opportunity to own their own home. On housing we are getting practical. We are going to cut red tape – we have got more to announce – and we have got the million dollars that we are lifting for first home buyers.