Tuesday, 28 May 2024

Eastern Victoria Region

Melina BATH (Eastern Victoria) (12:57): (887) My constituency question is to the Minister for Housing, and the question I ask is: what will the minister specifically do to address the homelessness crisis in Gippsland? My constituent advises me that he and his family have noticed an increase of people sleeping rough in parks and under trees and gathering around the local bus stop. His young daughter recently experienced a terrifying experience as she was exposed to a half-naked man who was sleeping rough in the park. Once a rare occurrence, it is now commonplace unfortunately in Latrobe Valley. Cost-of-living pressures are affecting Victorians; they are struggling, and the government need to address this issue as a priority. Local community groups do an enormous amount of wonderful work to support those experiencing housing instability, yet they need a solution as well. Minister, noting your government is failing vulnerable homeless people in Gippsland and failing to increase the housing stock and you yourself have decreased the target for social homes by a further 100 in 2025, what are you going to do about it?