Public housing still key says MP

OPINION PIECE

BY MICHAELA SETTLE, MEMBER FOR BUNINYONG

AT this time of year, the thoughts of many will be on holidays or Christmas family gatherings at home.

For some though, their thoughts will be on trying to find a safe place to spend the night. This is not just a problem in the inner-city streets of Melbourne; it is an issue right here in our community.

It’s an issue that many don’t think about until they walk past a homeless person in the street. There are however, many facets to the problem. Although homeless people are often the most noticeable, the issue is more widespread than those that are sleeping rough. It is an issue that concerns me, and I’m pleased the Andrews Government has been able to make advances in this area.

Recognising there were ways in which government could better deal with this issue, the Andrews Government initiated the $2.6 Billion Homes for Victorians housing strategy. This strategy represented a record investment in Victorian social housing and homelessness services.

The strategy is certainly about delivering new homes for social housing, it provides around 6000 of them, but it goes further than that. The strategy also seeks to reduce the number of people needing housing by assisting 19,000 Victorians who are at risk of becoming homeless.

The number of available houses is a factor in any plan to address social housing. That is why we have a fund created to increase the supply of social and affordable housing specifically.

The term ‘affordable housing’ is often misinterpreted as a handout when public housing matters are being discussed. We need to remember that these tenants pay rent. Having access to a property with lower rent saves many from sleeping rough or ‘couch surfing’ as it has become known. Affordable housing means those doing it tough are still able to pay their way and have somewhere to call home.

Sadly, the scourge of family violence has also been a factor leaving many families vulnerable. The Family Violence Housing Blitz increases housing support for survivors of family violence who are at risk of becoming homeless through no fault of their own.

Last year the Andrews Government committed to building 1000 new public houses by 2022.

Ballarat is one of the places where these new houses will be built.

Also locally, we have invested in five two-bedroom townhouses in Mount Pleasant with support services being provided by local agencies. We have also marked the Delacombe Housing Estate for renewal.

We are continuing to help people move into a rental property when unable to afford the initial bond. Last financial year, over 260 people in our region were provided with assistance through the Bond Loan assistance program.

While these initiatives are important, we must also recognise the crucial work of so many community organisations, many of which are volunteer based.

Organisations such as UnitingCare, and a large number of volunteer groups in our region do a tremendous job under sometimes trying circumstances. I’ve been fortunate enough to be a volunteer at the Ballarat Soup Bus for the past year and have found it extremely rewarding.

To those in our community involved with assisting those in need, I want to thank you sincerely for your efforts. I would also encourage anyone considering volunteering to do so. The work can be hard, but the rewards are incredible.

This is an important issue and we all have something to contribute.