Ministers statements: COVID-19
Mr WYNNE (Richmond—Minister for Housing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Planning) (11:29): I rise to update the house on the actions the government is taking to protect Victorians at risk of experiencing homelessness from the COVID-19 virus and to minimise the spread of the virus within public and community housing. It is crucial that we provide the right advice and assistance to those in need, particularly the most vulnerable in our community. I was pleased yesterday to announce that my department released almost $6 million to reduce the incidence of rough sleeping and homelessness. This money will provide homeless agencies with extra funds to find immediate temporary housing for those in most need, and it will also go towards private rental brokerage for those at risk of falling into homelessness, helping to keep them in safe and affordable accommodation and reduce the transmission of COVID-19. We have also identified sites where alternative emergency housing can be provided for people to self-isolate or indeed quarantine, and we will work to continue to make sure that we have enough beds for those who need a safe place to recover.
We are putting extra staff on the ground also in our 13 older persons estates. These are estates that are predominantly high-rise bedsits for people, particularly for older people who are particularly susceptible to the COVID-19 virus. Our security, essential maintenance and cleaning service providers are increasing preventative measures on all estates, such as performing additional cleaning of communal areas, using antibacterial sanitisers and advising staff on how to work with our tenants to ensure that we continue our service delivery. The department’s Keeping in Touch policy has been enacted, where older tenants will be regularly contacted by the housing call centre to check on their wellbeing. We will always continue to support our most vulnerable tenants.