Wednesday, 21 September 2022

Ministers statements: Big Housing Build

Mr PEARSON (Essendon—Assistant Treasurer, Minister for Regulatory Reform, Minister for Government Services, Minister for Housing) (14:33): I rise today to update the house on the Andrews Labor government’s landmark Big Housing Build. We have invested a record $5.3 billion to build more than 12 000 new homes, because only Labor governments deliver on housing. While the opposition were busy shamefully slamming our housing build in Brighton, this side of the house was doing what we have always done: doing what matters. I am delighted to report that we have now exceeded the halfway milestone, with 6300 homes completed or underway. These homes are modern, accessible, safe and energy efficient, and we have not wasted a day in making sure that we deliver for the Victorians who need it most.

What is next in the Big Housing Build pipeline? In early 2023 our new housing developments in Ascot Vale and Ashburton will be complete, delivering 378 new social and affordable homes. How good is that for the member for Mount Waverley? Just recently I was with the member for Hawthorn visiting the Bills Street housing redevelopment, delivering more than 200 social and affordable homes. Over in Dandenong we have delivered housing in partnership with Aboriginal Housing Victoria, because the Andrews Labor government is committed to providing self-determined, culturally safe housing for First Peoples living in Victoria. And let us not forget about the huge $1.25 billion pipeline of works right across regional Victoria. For example, in Ballarat the hardworking members for Wendouree and Buninyong were out on site with me earlier this month and were thrilled to see the progress being made to deliver more than 300 social and affordable homes.

Unlike those opposite, this government can deliver on multiple priorities at once. We are doing what matters: supporting vulnerable Victorians and supporting thousands of jobs to boost our economy. Those opposite may talk, but this government is about action. We will continue to deliver our nation-leading Big Housing Build, supporting Victorians every single step of the way.