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Tim Bull challenged Housing Minister Harriet Shing to clarify public housing numbers after claiming Labor delivered new homes

Housing Minister Harriet Shing has been challenged to clarify public housing numbers in eastern Gippsland. Gippsland East Nationals MP Tim Bull argues the government claims new homes but overall housing has decreased.

By news@gippsland - 2nd September 2024 - Back to News

Housing Minister and local Upper House MP, Harriet Shing, has been challenged to come clean on public housing numbers in the eastern Gippsland region. Gippsland East Nationals' MP, Tim Bull, said Ms Shing recently boasted about the number of 'new' homes the Labor government has delivered in the area. "This is slightly mischievous as the government makes out these are additional homes, and they are not. In fact, we have fewer public housing residences in eastern Victoria now than when the Labor government came to office, as they are selling off and demolishing old stock quicker than they are building," said Mr Bull.

'Government data shows East Gippsland and Wellington Shires had 1,612 homes in 2015 and 1,610 in 2023 - two fewer despite population growth. Latrobe has 19 fewer homes, totaling 21 fewer homes across the region,' says Tim Bull

Housing decline noted

Tim Bull also said, "The government's own figures state that in East Gippsland and Wellington Shires in 2015 we had 1612 residences and in 2023 (the most recent figures available) we have 1610 - two less homes despite the population growth and greater need.

"If you want to look further afield to Latrobe, it has 19 less homes than it had in 2015, so as a wider region we are 21 down - it is not the rose petal story Ms Shing would have us believe it is. This is her own electorate and what she has in fact done is oversee a reduction of public housing in her own patch in a period of a housing crisis."

"What she needs to do is start talking about what the net gains and losses are - and explain why we have had a net loss. The so-called 'Big Build' is not delivering here and, in fact, we are going backwards, as we regularly see old public housing stock being sold through local agents," he said.

Bedroom shortage worsening

Mr Bull said if you looked at the number of bedrooms in public housing stock, there had been an even greater reduction. Many of the homes being sold off or demolished have had two and three bedrooms and the rebuilds have largely one or two bedrooms, so from a roof over your head perspective, it is worse.

"In addition, at the same time Labor has slugged mum and dad investors with the second residence tax and that is forcing many to leave and invest elsewhere, including the interstate markets. These homes are not being bought by those on the public housing wait list, so all it is doing is adding a rental crisis to the public housing crisis.

"Labor could not really make a bigger mess of housing if they tried. We have a number of agencies who, rather than hold more workshops, need to get on the front foot, calling out the government on its hypocrisy and demand no old stock be removed, so every new home built is a net gain," he said.

Pictures from Tim Bull MP website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• East Gippsland invites nominations for 2027 Australia Day Awards celebrating outstanding community contributions and achievements until 6 December 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking nominations for its 2027 Australia Day Awards, recognising community contributions across volunteering, sport, arts and culture. Nominations close December 6, 2026.
• East Gippsland outdoor venues prepare for summer with school holiday activities, swimming programs and swim teacher opportunities
  East Gippsland outdoor facilities are preparing for summer, with Orbost Pool opening early, seasonal swimming programs returning, Aqua Run activities planned and Council recruiting and training new swim teachers.
• East Gippsland Mayor Jodie Ashworth thanks community members, reflects on achievements and highlights upcoming projects in final annual mayoral column
  East Gippsland Mayor Jodie Ashworth thanks residents for their contributions, highlights upcoming projects and community celebrations, and encourages feedback on the Bairnsdale 2050 Strategy before concluding her annual mayoral column.
• East Gippsland Council calls for fairer forestry transition funding, greater transparency and investment in affected communities before state election
  East Gippsland Council is seeking fairer forestry transition funding, greater transparency and stronger investment to support affected communities, local economies, jobs and bushfire preparedness.
• East Gippsland Shire Council welcomes Temporary Disaster Roaming 1 October 2026, allowing access to other networks during eligible natural disasters
  East Gippsland Shire Council welcomes Temporary Disaster Roaming, activated by Telstra, Optus and TPG on October 1, 2026, allowing access to other networks for essential calls, texts and limited data during eligible disasters.
• East Gippsland Shire Council consults service street businesses on proposed Bairnsdale taxi rank relocation and Nicholson street mall improvements
  East Gippsland Shire Council is consulting Service Street businesses on a proposed Bairnsdale taxi rank relocation, while Nicholson Street Mall upgrades aim to improve safety and amenity.
• East Gippsland Council adopts 2025–26 Annual Report, highlighting infrastructure investment, community services and financial sustainability
  East Gippsland Shire Council’s 2025–26 Annual Report highlights $30.4 million in capital works, community services and economic development. Despite a $7.7 million operating surplus, Council recorded a $3.1 million underlying deficit.
• East Gippsland Jobs Expo connects job seekers with employers, training providers and career opportunities across the region on 8 October 2026
  East Gippsland Jobs Expo on October 8 will connect job seekers with employers, training providers and employment services, showcasing local career pathways and workforce opportunities across the region.
• East Gippsland Council introduces free Payble online service offering ratepayers flexible, convenient and automatic payment options for rates
  East Gippsland Council has introduced Payble, a free, secure online service allowing ratepayers to automate payments, choose flexible schedules, check balances and manage rates conveniently.
• East Gippsland Council completes initial flood recovery assessments, providing support and referrals to affected residents and businesses
  East Gippsland Shire Council has supported flood-affected residents and businesses through assessments, referrals and waste assistance following October’s severe rainfall, coordinating with emergency services, volunteers and agencies.
• East Gippsland Council develops financial sustainability strategy to manage costs and protect essential services over the next decade
  East Gippsland Shire Council is developing a financial strategy to address rising costs, improve efficiency, prioritise infrastructure spending and maintain essential services while strengthening long-term financial sustainability.
• East Gippsland communities transform emergency water tanks into vibrant murals celebrating resilience, recovery and local stories
  East Gippsland communities have transformed emergency water tanks into vibrant murals celebrating resilience and recovery, with artworks completed at four locations and three more projects planned for Gipsy Point, South Buchan and Benambra.
• East Gippsland Councillors take council in community program to Twin Rivers district for local engagement on 29 September 2026
  East Gippsland Councillors will visit Bruthen, Johnsonville and Metung on September 29, meeting residents and businesses to discuss local priorities, challenges and opportunities through Council’s community engagement program.
• East Gippsland Council advocates National Sovereign Wealth Fund to deliver long-term regional benefits from resource revenues
  East Gippsland Council will advocate for a national Sovereign Wealth Fund funded by resource revenues, supporting long-term regional investment, infrastructure, resilience and intergenerational benefits while reducing reliance on competitive grants.
• East Gippsland Landcare Groups secure funding for environmental projects and community conservation across the region
  East Gippsland Landcare groups received 22 project and 11 support grants under the 2026 Victorian program, funding habitat restoration, weed management, biodiversity, education and volunteer activities.
• East Gippsland launches disability network to strengthen community input on council projects, services and decisions
  East Gippsland Shire Council has launched the Disability Network, inviting people with disability, carers and organisations to help shape council decisions through accessible online and in-person community engagement.
• East Gippsland Shire Council urges property owners to maintain onsite wastewater systems and prevent failures
  East Gippsland Shire Council reminds property owners to maintain onsite wastewater systems, including regular servicing and septic pumping, to prevent failures and protect households, neighbours and the environment.
• East Gippsland property owners receive 2026/27 rates notices as council sets average increase below state cap
  East Gippsland property owners have received 2026/27 rates notices, with Council’s average increase set at 2.5%. Payment options, objections and face-to-face support are available for residents
• East Gippsland Seniors Festival returns this October, inviting community events across the shire
  East Gippsland’s Seniors Festival returns in October, inviting community groups to submit events celebrating older residents under this year’s ‘Connect, Create and Celebrate’ theme.
• East Gippsland Council calls for ESVF levy reform ahead of November Victorian state election
  East Gippsland Shire Council is urging Victorian election candidates to reform the ESVF levy, citing disproportionate regional costs and seeking fairer, transparent emergency services funding.
• East Gippsland Council connects local contractors with upcoming projects, opportunities and business support initiatives on 21 August 2026
  Around 80 local contractors attended East Gippsland Shire Council’s annual breakfast, gaining insights into upcoming projects, procurement opportunities, tendering processes and business support initiatives for local enterprises.
• East Gippsland and Wellington farmers' 'Looking Ahead Farmer Survey' extended until 9 October 2026
  Farmers across East Gippsland and Wellington have until October 9 to complete the Looking Ahead Farmer Survey 2026, helping shape agricultural priorities, advocacy and future government support across the region.
• Farmers across East Gippsland and Wellington are invited to shape regional agricultural priorities, advocacy, support and investment
  Farmers across East Gippsland and Wellington are being asked to complete a survey helping three agencies update agricultural priorities, identify emerging challenges and strengthen regional advocacy, support and investment.
• Working together to secure East Gippsland's water future through integrated water management
  East Gippsland CMA and regional partners are collaborating through Integrated Water Management to address climate, flooding, population growth, stormwater, recycled water and wetland protection challenges while planning sustainable projects.
• Marlo named sole East Gippsland finalist in Victorian Top Tiny Tourism Town Awards, celebrating community spirit
  Marlo was East Gippsland’s sole finalist in the Victorian Top Tiny Tourism Town Awards, recognised for its authentic visitor experiences and strong community-driven tourism campaign.
• Gippsland small business triumphs with award-winning High Country Hooch Distilling Enterprise at Glenaladale near Bairnsdale
  High Country Hooch Distilling owners Paul and Leanne Poulter won Best New Business at the Gippsland Business Awards, growing their Glenaladale venture into a handcrafted spirits and tasting-room destination.
• Local operators Samantha Holmes and Brett Savory take over Eagle Point Foreshore Hub, bringing new food offering and fresh investment
  Samantha Holmes and Brett Savory have taken over Eagle Point Foreshore Hub, renaming its café The Nest, offering local produce, dining, takeaway and catering while supporting community connections.
• Gippsland offers family-friendly stays, from coastal resorts and farm retreats to holiday parks and secluded cottages
  Gippsland offers families diverse accommodation options, from resorts and self-contained cottages to farm stays, holiday homes and caravan parks, providing comfortable bases for beach trips, nature adventures and regional exploration.
• Gippsland offers family-friendly stays, from coastal resorts and farm retreats to holiday parks and secluded cottages
  Gippsland offers families diverse accommodation options, from resorts and self-contained cottages to farm stays, holiday homes and caravan parks, providing comfortable bases for beach trips, nature adventures and regional exploration.