Housing
Gabrielle DE VIETRI (Richmond) (14:17): My question is to the Premier. The United Nations has written a scathing letter to the Australian government saying that the Victorian Labor government’s plan to demolish and privatise all of our public housing towers will likely be a violation of international human rights law and make the housing crisis worse. Given this international condemnation of the government’s plan, will the Premier still proceed with the demolition?
Ben CARROLL (Niddrie – Premier) (14:18): A couple of things. It was the Victorian Labor government that introduced the human rights charter, which we are very proud of. When it comes to human rights, no-one takes it more seriously than our Labor government. No matter where you live, no matter your postcode, no matter who you are, you deserve to be living in a place that is free of asbestos and has air conditioning, and we will make sure that no matter who you are you get the best living conditions and a roof over your heads.
Gabrielle DE VIETRI (Richmond) (14:18): The UN special rapporteur clearly took into account the possible alternatives that were put forward and has still urged the Victorian Labor government to hold off on any further relocations and any demolitions until further notice. The Premier claims to care about human rights, but is the Premier saying that the United Nations is wrong when it comes to human rights, or is he saying that he cares about human rights but just not the human rights of public housing residents?
The SPEAKER: There were two questions there, member for Richmond. However, I will allow it.
Ben CARROLL (Niddrie – Premier) (14:19): If the special rapporteur wants to come and speak to me, he is more than welcome. What I would tell him is that we are doing everything we can, particularly with the first-ever Minister for Homelessness appointed under our Labor government – $25 million announced this week for a comprehensive plan to address homelessness. We will always make sure that no matter who you are you have the dignity of a home and a roof over your head.
Members interjecting.
The SPEAKER: Order! Member for Mildura! The member for Northcote can leave the chamber for half an hour.
Member for Northcote withdrew from chamber.