Wednesday, 21 September 2022

 Mr BOURMAN (Eastern Victoria) (12:59): (1996) My constituency question is for the Treasurer. It is regarding Gippsland youth homelessness. A great organisation is ready and willing to address youth homelessness in Gippsland, but they need help. Victoria’s Infrastructure Strategy 2021–2051 acknowledges eight out of 10 of the top disadvantaged local government areas are in regional Victoria, where poverty and socio-economic disadvantage are at higher levels than in metro areas. Quantum Support Services is an NGO, and they are seeking capital funding of $12.6 million. Quantum is already committed to the project for land acquisition costs and Latrobe council last week approved the sale of Hazelwood House, a former aged care facility, to them. Financially supporting the construction of a new 44-bed youth foyer in Gippsland will give more young people far better opportunities by improving access to local facilities, jobs and transport. My question for the government is: will they commit to the capital funding needed to complete this Gippsland youth foyer project?