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Homelessness grows as Labor housing plans goes backwards in Eastern Victoria

The Allan Labor government's pledge to build 80,000 new homes annually missed the mark, with only 55,653 completed. Melina Bath criticised Labor for ignoring homelessness and regional housing, calling for urgent action.

By news@gippsland - 29th July 2024 - Back to News

The Allan Labor government's promise to deliver 80,000 new homes a year has fallen well short of the mark. New data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reveals that only 55,653 homes were built over the past year in Victoria, a decrease of 2698 from the previous year.

Melina Bath stated that Labor's failure to boost housing stock is worsening homelessness. Many face extreme hardship, with emergency motel rooms often being the only alternative to rough sleeping

Labor neglects homelessness

The Nationals' Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath raised the community's concerns about the growing number of rough sleepers with the Minister for Housing in state parliament in May, yet her question remains unanswered. "Labor must recognise the human toll of its city centric focus that has caused bill stress and stalled regional housing developments."

"We don't need statistics to know homelessness is increasing in eastern Victoria, it's visible in our parks, in cars, and under overpasses. Respected organisations like Quantum Support Services provide crucial frontline support, but they are limited by insufficient funding and resources. To improve their quality of life, people experiencing homelessness also require tailored recovery plans to help them overcome personal, financial and mental hardships," said Ms Bath.

Labor fails housing

Ms Bath said too many locals were facing extreme hardship. "Labor's failure to increase housing stock is pushing more families and individuals onto our streets. People experiencing homelessness deserve action rather than broken promises. Regrettably, emergency short-term accommodation such as motel rooms, too often, is the only alternative to rough sleeping."

Ms Bath called out Labor for backing away from its housing targets instead of prioritising new builds and addressing homelessness. "The Allan Labor government is focused on damage control, rather than providing families with a safe and secure roof over their head. Labor can't manage housing, can't manage homelessness and vulnerable Victorians are paying the price."

Pictures from Melina Bath MP Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com