Wednesday, 21 June 2023

Housing affordability

Ryan BATCHELOR (Southern Metropolitan) (18:04): (308) My adjournment matter is to the Treasurer, and I am seeking an update on the ambitious build-to-rent program initiated by the Andrews Labor government. Specifically, I am interested in the progress of developments in the Southern Metropolitan Region. Labor is building more houses for Victorians in every corner of the state because right now this country is facing probably one of the biggest housing crises in our history. We know the cost of living is skyrocketing, making it even more crucial that Australians have a secure roof over their heads.

Both the Andrews Labor government here in Victoria and the Albanese Labor government in Canberra know that a secure home provides a foundation for a better future for every Australian. Just on the weekend we saw the Albanese Labor government announce a new $2 billion social housing accelerator which is going to provide half a billion dollars for social and affordable housing to be built or purchased here in Victoria in the next two years. Those extra funds are on top of the historic $5.3 billion the state Labor government has committed to the Big Housing Build here in Victoria.

Whilst we are investing in building more homes, we know that our colleagues on the crossbench – the Greens – are campaigning against building more homes. They come into the Parliament here campaigning against Big Housing Build developments and new social housing. Last night in the City of Yarra the Greens voted down a motion to seek support from the social housing accelerator to support funding for a new social housing development in their local community, a development they have opposed before. They are still opposed today. And they still come in here and campaign against social housing developments across Melbourne.

This government is taking action to make sure that every Victorian has access to a safe and secure home. We are building thousands of new homes right across the state. We are improving the mix and diversity of housing. Part of that is the build-to-rent program. There is a great new build-to-rent development. It is being built in Caulfield, right next to the train station that is going to be a huge beneficiary of the new Metro Tunnel. When that tunnel opens, trains from that station will be going into the city every couple of minutes during peak hour. It is exactly the kind of development we need, right in the location we want to take advantage of the infrastructure investments that this state government is making. We are committed to making sure that more Victorians have a place to call home.