Tuesday, 30 August 2022

Social housing

I also recently questioned the minister in relation to the frustratingly high amount of social housing premises that are lying vacant in my electorate of Gippsland East. The minister responded by saying there were 33 vacant social housing properties but only seven of those 33 were awaiting maintenance. That means there are 26 vacant social housing properties in existence in my area. The reason being given is, as the minister has said, that these premises are being held as part of the From Homelessness to a Home program. It is an oxymoron to hold back social housing residences from the homeless under a program that is aimed at assisting the homeless. These homes have been vacant for some time. We should hold them no longer, and we should have families in these vacant properties. I urge the minister to ensure that occurs.