Tuesday, 8 September 2026

 Martha HAYLETT (Ripon) presented a petition bearing 6578 signatures:

Issue:

This petition of residents in Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Assembly that Neighbourhood Houses funding has failed to keep pace with costs and in real terms is 20% lower than it was in 2010. Funding no longer meets employment costs, leaving Neighbourhood Houses with no funding to keep the lights on. For the past three years, half of all Neighbourhood Houses have recorded a loss.

Action:

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Assembly urgently meet the requests of Neighbourhood Houses Victoria’s 2026 budget submission by restoring funding in real terms for Neighbourhood Houses through a 25% increase, fund the 25 Neighbourhood Houses that do not currently receive any ongoing funding, and develop a fund for the establishment of 20 additional Neighbourhood Houses in growth areas.

Ordered that petition be considered tomorrow.