Thursday, 24 September 2026

 Rachel PAYNE (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (18:01): (2848) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Homelessness, Minister Staikos. Every year young Victorians experiencing homelessness present to services carrying the impacts of family violence, trauma and complex mental ill health, yet too often the response remains one of crisis management rather than providing stable, supported housing that can help prevent young people from entering a cycle of repeated crises. Two weeks ago I met with Lee, an advocate on youth homelessness, and they shared their brave yet heartbreaking story. Lee grew up surrounded by family violence, poverty and trauma. At just 18 they left home and for years they couch-surfed, experienced further violence and homelessness, slept in their car and stayed in shelters. Lee endured extreme cold and hunger. They watched their friends come close to death. While living without a home, Lee was simply trying to survive. All of this was compounded by longstanding mental health challenges. For many young people it is a result of years of trauma, violence and poverty, and once someone is caught in that cycle, surviving can become a full-time job.

Victoria’s Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System recognised the importance of this approach and recommended 500 supported housing places for young people. Six years into the 10-year reform agenda, that commitment remains unmet. There is a compelling economic case for action. New analysis by Equity Economics commissioned by Melbourne City Mission and Orygen estimates that each supported housing place could generate approximately $2.2 million in benefits over 20 years, compared to approximately $280,000 in costs for a two-year stay. Across 500 places this represents an estimated $1.1 billion in benefits, compared to $140 million in costs. Supported housing is therefore not simply about providing a roof over a young person’s head. It can provide the stability, safety and support needed to address mental ill health, prevent repeated homelessness and help young people transition into a safer and more secure adulthood. The action that I seek is that the minister commit to the delivery of the 500 supported housing places recommended by the royal commission as a priority.