Thursday, 19 March 2026

 Aiv PUGLIELLI (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:04): (1278) My question today is to the Minister for Transport Infrastructure in the other place. In my electorate in the community of Watsonia they have just recently seen plans released for the redevelopment of the Watsonia train station car park, and there is a glaring omission. At a time when we are in a housing crisis, at a time when we need to be building affordable homes for people to live in at every opportunity across our community and when this government is spruiking more homes close to transport, there is not a single home being built in this multilevel development. Instead, it is just for cars – a car parking monstrosity in the middle suburbs and a political choice by this Labor government to ignore the prime chance to build more homes across this wonderful community. Minister, why are you building car parks instead of homes in Watsonia?

 Harriet SHING (Eastern Victoria – Minister for the Suburban Rail Loop, Minister for Housing and Building, Minister for Development Victoria and Precincts) (12:05): Mr Puglielli, it is a shame that I am not in a position to provide you with a substantive answer to this question, noting that if we were to be announcing housing in and around this area as a dedicated outcome, you would no doubt be on your feet to oppose it before too long. What I will do, however, is refer your question to Minister Williams in the other place for an answer in accordance with the standing orders.

 Aiv PUGLIELLI (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:06): It is one thing to be accused of opposing homes that do not exist, but that is a new front for this Labor government. Minister, I have heard as a local member in this community resoundingly that people in this area want affordable housing at this site. I understand the local council have expressed to government that they want affordable housing at this site, so it raises a question. The community wants these homes. The council wants these homes. Minister, why don’t you?

 Harriet SHING (Eastern Victoria – Minister for the Suburban Rail Loop, Minister for Housing and Building, Minister for Development Victoria and Precincts) (12:06): Thanks, Mr Puglielli, for the supplementary question in relation to affordability. Noting of course that we are delivering more affordability as it relates to home ownership and to rentals than I think all but one or two major cities around Australia, we will continue to do that despite the protestations and opposition and blocking from the opposition and indeed the Greens. What I will do, tempting as it might be to continue, is refer that matter to Minister Williams in the other place for an answer in accordance with the standing orders.