Victorian Nationals: Empty Regional Housing Promises – Only a roof will do

The Andrews Government’s regurgitated commitment of 683 homes in regional Victoria is too little too late.

Community support groups, advocates and the social housing sector are flying blind on the sky rocketing needs of Victoria’s most vulnerable. More than 4000 families were added to the priority housing register in the past 12 months according to most recent data.

In eight years, 26,247, or a staggering 20 families a day, have been added to our urgent housing waiting lists across the state.

The Andrews Government must start measuring its success not in the money it wishes to throw at a problem, instead at how it is solving the problem.

Minister Pearson must come clean today on what the actual figures are in the September quarter priority housing waiting lists.

Last week, the Federal Government’s Productivity Commission made two damning reveals on the horror of the homeless waiting list in Victoria, with families now waiting on average more than 16 months for suitable housing.

Shadow Minister for Housing, Richard Riordan, said only the Liberals and Nationals would deliver real solutions to the housing crisis.

“Danny Pearson must come clean on the ballooning housing crisis,” Mr Riordan said.

“When will the true extent of eight years of mismanagement be revealed?

“The Labor Andrews Government has proven over eight years it has no capacity to solve the housing crisis in regional Victoria and an announcement of 683 homes will not put a scuff mark on the priority waiting list.

“A Liberal Government would immediately move to fast-track land and partnerships with Housing Associations, not for profits and the superannuation industry to get the homes built that Victorians need.”