Thursday, 31 July 2025

 Sheena WATT (Northern Metropolitan) (18:16): (1795) My adjournment matter tonight is for the Minister for Housing and Building. Earlier this month our Labor government, in collaboration with our newly elected federal counterparts, announced the delivery of hundreds of new social homes across Victoria as part of the second round of the Housing Australia Future Fund. This is vital housing that will help support those doing it tough, from families to older women and people at risk of experiencing homelessness. This is not just about building homes; it is about building security, building dignity and building opportunity – values that speak to what this government is about.

We know that housing stress is real, and it is rising. Whether it is older Victorians struggling to find a safe place to call home or families waiting far too long for secure housing, people across our community are really feeling the pressure, and that is why this announcement matters. These homes will be delivered to areas where demand is high, using already available land and delivered by trusted community housing providers. It is smart, timely and targeted. These homes will provide not just shelter but safety, security and the chance to start again. This will also support jobs in construction and trades – good, stable work in the communities these homes will be built in.

I am proud to be part of a Labor government that builds instead of blocks, a government that does not just recognise that we need more housing but does something about it. We are working in partnership with the Albanese Labor government in Canberra to tackle this challenge head on, and initiatives like the Housing Australia Future Fund are making real differences on the ground. Many of the projects in the first round of this program are already complete and ready for Victorians to move into, with many more homes under construction.

The action I seek tonight is for the minister to provide details on how many of these newly announced homes will be built in the Northern Metropolitan Region. The people of Melbourne’s north deserve to have a roof over their head and a safe place to call home. From Coburg to Craigieburn, this region is growing, and our housing infrastructure needs to grow with it. I look forward to seeing the next stage of delivery take shape and continuing the work of building a more secure and equitable future for everyone.