Thursday, 7 April 2022

Western Victoria Region

Mrs McARTHUR (Western Victoria) (12:51): (1754) My question is for the Minister for Housing and again concerns the housing crisis in Ballarat. In the last sitting week, I referred to the former resident of Reid’s hostel forced out by the fire and with no choice but to live in his car. Nearly two months later, he is still there. On Monday this week he tested positive to COVID but was told he was too late to be put in isolation accommodation, even though it appears he was at Ballarat Base Hospital from 2.00 pm onwards. So, unbelievably, this homeless man with COVID was sent out for another night in his car. Concerned and caring Ballarat residents tried to get ambulance and police involved, with no success. So I ask the minister: what is being done to solve the crisis in Ballarat? And when will you apologise to this man who spent yet another night sleeping in his car, this time with COVID?