Thursday, 4 May 2023

Ministers statements: neighbourhood houses

Lizzie BLANDTHORN (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers, Minister for Child Protection and Family Services) (12:29): I rise to update the house on the vital support neighbourhood houses provide to Victorians. This government is proud to partner with neighbourhood houses, which deliver this support to help communities access important programs, supports and services.

Neighbourhood houses are assisting Victorians to manage cost-of-living pressures by helping them apply for the Victorian government’s $250 power saving bonus. I noticed Dr Bach was helping them apply also. The 278 houses participating statewide are assisting Victorians without internet access over the phone and in person to complete their applications. In the latest round the power saving bonus has seen 40 per cent of applicants find a better energy deal, with thousands of Victorians saving by changing their energy deal through the Victorian Energy Compare website. In addition to this, more than 17,000 households have received the $250 power saving bonus through the help of a community outreach partner like a neighbourhood house. Our election commitment is so popular that some of those opposite, like Dr Bach, have been promoting it in their communities, and they may well continue to do so too.

This government has also partnered with neighbourhood houses to help community members apply for the Victorian sick pay guarantee. Through this partnership we are helping more casual and contract workers to access sick and carers pay. The 80 participating neighbourhood houses are providing access to in-language support, computers and the internet to help casual workers understand and sign up to the scheme. With over 200,000 people visiting neighbourhood houses each week in Victoria, this partnership means thousands more casual workers still have the support they need to access sick and carers pay. This is just one example of the many contributions neighbourhood houses make to local communities across Victoria.

This is why our government invest in neighbourhood house coordination program funding every year and we are continuing to support the vital work of neighbourhood houses as hubs for community connection and the delivery of essential services. We are proud to deliver our commitment to the $250 power saving bonus and look forward to everyone in this chamber, particularly those opposite, continuing to publicise the commitment.