Thursday, 12 September 2024

 Harriet SHING (Eastern Victoria – Minister for Housing, Minister for Water, Minister for Equality) (12:16): Today I was joined by the Premier and the former member for Hawthorn Mr John Kennedy, who is a staunch advocate of a project at Bills Street in Hawthorn – a project which a current member of the opposition, the leader in the other place, perhaps the soon-to-be former Leader of the Opposition in the other place, opposed and which Mr Davis is on the record as having opposed – to celebrate the completion of 206 new social and affordable homes in Hawthorn. This new housing has replaced 52 old, no-longer-fit-for-purpose dwellings with 103 new social homes and 103 new affordable homes, boosting social housing on the site by 98 per cent. Throughout this beautiful, vibrant development there are fantastic community facilities that include barbecues, pocket parks, 90 additional trees and play equipment. The design of these homes, including features like double-glazed windows, a local energy network and solar panels will provide residents living there with the best energy deal in the market, making it easier for them to stay cool in summer and warm in winter.

We have already started welcoming residents into their new homes, like Markrit, who we met this morning along with her gorgeous dachshund Archie. Markrit moved into Bills Street six weeks ago, and in her words, she believes her new home is the light at the end of the tunnel. She has had to endure some of life’s most difficult curveballs, including homelessness and some of the stigma that comes with it. This morning she spoke about how her new home has helped her to overcome the shame she experienced, saying:

From my personal experience, it has changed my outlook, given me a platform to get on my feet. I can’t tell you how grateful I am. It has been the best experience of my life.

Our $6.3 billion investment is changing people’s lives. We have more than 9800 homes either complete or underway. I am looking forward to continuing our partnership with the Commonwealth, through the $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund, which is going to make a significant difference, changing the lives of so many people.