Wednesday, 4 February 2026

 Melina BATH (Eastern Victoria) (12:47): My question is to the Minister for Disability. The state disability subsidy for supported independent living group homes ended last year, and it disrupted care, reducing staffing and putting participants and their families at risk and in a state of high concern. Homes are at risk and participants are concerned that they will be evicted. This impacts homes in Bass Coast, in Wonthaggi; East Gippsland, in Maffra, Orbost and Bairnsdale; South Gippsland, in Sale; Latrobe, in Moe and Morwell; and Baw Baw, in Warragul. The minister has in the past cited a lack of communication with the federal government and negotiations with the federal government. Well, January has come and gone, and I ask the minister: have you now engaged with your Commonwealth counterpart and what will you do to sort out this dire issue to ensure that vulnerable people with disability in my electorate are not left without homes? They need secure homes and secure futures.