Wednesday, 15 October 2025

 Harriet SHING (Eastern Victoria – Minister for the Suburban Rail Loop, Minister for Housing and Building, Minister for Development Victoria and Precincts) (12:14): I rise to update the house on how the Allan Labor government is ensuring that Victoria grows well, and we are unlocking surplus government land to build hundreds of new homes close to where Victorians work, study and access essential services. We know that being able to live within walking distance to public transport, schools, health care and jobs is of critical importance in making sure that as we grow, we are growing well.

David Davis interjected.

Harriet SHING: There are two sites in Brighton, which I know will appeal to you, as they also appeal to the new shadow – he is the Attorney-General this week I think, isn’t he? One in Camberwell and one in Preston have been added to our landmark small sites program, joining those already announced across Croydon South, Carlton, Heidelberg West, Baxter, Bendigo and Geelong. Across 14 sites, up to 1000 safe, modern and energy-efficient homes for Victorian families will be built. At least 10 per cent of those homes will be made available exclusively for very low, low and moderate income households. Let me remind the house that under Labor we are unlocking land, planning responsibly and building the homes that Victorians need, the homes that everybody here is saying need to be delivered – until such time as the question of your own backyards emerges. Under those opposite, you are actually on your own.

Last week it was not surprising yet again to hear not only silence but the shadow housing minister saying his vision for Victoria’s future is ‘to be a vibrant state of cities, towns and communities that is well connected to services and infrastructure that enhances life and lifestyle opportunities’. I know that those opposite have had a fair bit on their plates as far as who occupies which real estate on which benches, but it does not actually translate to talking about housing. That same advocate, the shadow minister for housing, also opposes building more homes in his own electorate because they are too close – wait for this – to a cemetery. That is what it has become under those opposite, and from a former Minister for Housing, no less, who was in this place talking about iPhones and sneakers in the middle of Brighton. We are going to keep building – (Time expired)