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Melina Bath denounces Andrews Labor government statement on housing as fictional and shameless fabrication

Melina Bath, an Eastern Victoria Region Nationals Member, criticises the Andrews government's Housing Statement as fictional, citing broken promises, mismanagement, and a growing housing crisis in Victoria.

By news@gippsland - 21st September 2023 - Back to News

The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Melina Bath has labelled the Andrews government's recent Housing Statement as "fictional" and "shameless fabrication". The Andrews government this week finally released its Housing Statement for Victoria promising 800,000 new homes in the next decade. It comes after the Premier established Housing Victoria in 2020 claiming Labor would construct more than 12,000 new homes throughout metro and regional Victoria.

Ms. Bath highlighted that since 2018, Victoria's public housing has seen a meager net increase of 74 residences annually, while Daniel Andrews promises 80,000 homes yearly

Housing crisis critique

Ms Bath said social and affordable housing in Victoria was going backwards at an alarming rate under Labor. "Given Daniel Andrews has failed to deliver the promised 12,000 new homes in the last three years with a $5.6 billion budget, there's zero chance Labor will be able to deliver 800,000 homes in 10 years."

"There is no plan for housing in the state - Labor's latest offering is a glossy document that will do little to turn the tide on Daniel Andrews housing mess and assist vulnerable people. Housing has stymied under Labor due to 50 new taxes, rising cost of living, record debt, resource shortages from the closure of the native timber industry, labour skill shortages, and billion dollar budget blowouts."

"Vulnerable Victorians are further away today from achieving a safe, secure, and affordable roof over their heads than they were eight years ago under the Labor government. In regional Victoria homelessness has become a huge problem and our support services are struggling with increased demand," Ms Bath said.

Public housing sell-off

Ms Bath said Labor has been undertaking a massive sell off of Victoria's public housing, since 2018 - there's only been a net increase of 74 residences in the state's social housing stock, a mere 15.6 houses a year.

"Now Daniel Andrews is claiming he will deliver 80,000 each year for 10 years - it's pure fabrication. Meanwhile, there's been a doubling of the public housing waitlist in the state over the past eight years - 68,000 Victorians are stuck on the waitlist, 33,727 more than in 2016," Ms Bath said.

Critical assessment of crisis

Ms Bath added, "Labor has turbo-charged a social and affordable housing crisis in Victoria and it's not delivering the solutions needed to fix it. If past performance is a good indicator of future performance, Labor's Housing statement is all spin and no substance."

"Frustratingly, securing a home in Victoria is now out of the reach of far too many. The shortage in social and affordable homes is a direct consequence of Labor's bad management and vulnerable Victorians deserve better," Ms Bath said.

Pictures from Melina Bath MP Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Life Saving Victoria has launched a multilingual campaign to help older adults, especially from multicultural communities, stay safe around water and during extreme heat across Victoria.
• Life Saving Victoria urges water safety precautions as heatwave drives crowds to beaches and pools
  Life Saving Victoria warns Victorians to prioritise water safety during this week’s 40°C heatwave, swim at patrolled locations, supervise children, avoid alcohol, and always swim with a friend.
• Regional all abilities participation grants is now open to boost inclusive sports opportunities for people with disability in regional communities
  The Allan Labor government's Regional All Abilities Participation Grants offer up to $25,000 for clubs to boost disability inclusion through equipment, training, travel support, and all-abilities sports programs.
• Darren Chester supports Tribunal decision to defend veterans' right, opposing Albanese government plan limiting Acts of Gallantry review
  The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal will defend veterans' rights at a Senate inquiry, opposing the Albanese government's plan to impose a 20-year limit on reviewing acts of gallantry.
• Peri Urban Councils Victoria reflecting on 2025 year of growth, advocacy, and stronger Peri-Urban communities
  As 2025 ends, PUCV reflects on a productive year of growth, advocacy, and connectivity improvements, thanking member councils and supporters, while preparing an ambitious agenda for 2026 and beyond.
• Darren Chester supports reforming the Coalition to unite Liberals and Nationals and deliver stronger government for Australia
  Darren Chester welcomes the re-formed Coalition, united to hold Labor to account, focus on cost of living, families, regions and security, and develop sensible policies for a safer, stronger, fairer Australia.
• Danny O'Brien welcomes progress on Sealers Cove track repairs but slams years of Labor delays at Wilsons Prom
  Danny O'Brien welcomed long-overdue progress on Sealers Cove track repairs at Wilsons Prom but criticised Labor for years of delays, saying Gippsland deserves timely investment in vital tourism infrastructure and facilities.
• Omeo’s Day Avenue upgraded with safer streets, accessible paths, bike parking, greenery, and Victorian government investment
  Omeo’s Day Avenue upgraded with safer streets, accessible paths, signage, parking, bike facilities, greenery, and $200,000 Victorian government investment, creating jobs and enhancing experiences for locals and visitors.
• Danny O'Brien says Gippsland roads among state's most dangerous after years of neglect under Allan Labor government
  Danny O'Brien says new AusRAP data shows many Gippsland roads are unsafe after years of Labor neglect, criticising the government for lowering speed limits instead of properly fixing deteriorating roads.
• Latrobe City Council's Councillor Sharon Gibson joins Regional Cities Victoria mayors to shape 2026 regional agenda
  Latrobe Mayor Sharon Gibson joins Regional Cities Victoria mayors to shape 2026 agenda, advocating sustainable growth, investment, and workforce opportunities for regional Victoria’s cities and surrounding communities.
• Six-year Thurra River campground closure triggers renewed demands for urgent government action before summer
  Tim Bull says East Gippslanders face another summer without Thurra River’s main campground, urging the Minister to expedite long-delayed approvals after six years, stressing local businesses rely on its reopening.
• Gippsland CFA volunteers still wait for critical fire station upgrades amid $55M Labor funding cuts
  Gippsland CFA volunteers face years-long delays for safe, modern fire stations as Labor cuts $55 million, reducing equipment, compensation, and infrastructure, putting communities at risk and demanding urgent funding.
• Bruthen and Buchan town centre upgrades boost tourism, safety, and local businesses with $3.8M government support
  Bruthen and Buchan town centre upgrades, supported by $3.8 million government funding, improve safety, accessibility, tourism, and local business, while celebrating Indigenous culture and supporting bushfire-affected communities.
• Danny O’Brien urged immediate start on Wilsons Promontory revitalisation, including the proposed Yanakie Isthmus fence
  The Allan Labor government faces criticism for ongoing delays to the Wilsons Promontory sanctuary, with Nationals MP Danny O’Brien urging immediate construction to protect wildlife and complete the long-promised project.
• Nationals' $100M Safer Communities Plan targets crime crisis with tough laws and prevention programs across Gippsland
  Martin Cameron backed a $100 million Safer Communities Plan, promising tougher laws and prevention programs to tackle Victoria's crime crisis, restore community safety, and support at-risk youth, contrasting Labor's cuts.
• Darren Chester welcomes Minister Catherine King’s confirmation that the Eastern Beach Road intersection remains a priority
  The federal government has increased funding to $6.6 million for the Lakes Entrance road safety upgrade, but Federal MP Darren Chester says state government delays continue to stall the vital project.
• Darren Chester joins East Gippsland community to honour fallen Victoria police officers on Remembrance Day
  Darren Chester joined the East Gippsland community for National Police Remembrance Day in Bairnsdale, honouring Victoria Police officers who lost their lives and recognising those who continue to serve.