Thursday, 17 August 2023

Ministers statements: Big Housing Build

Colin BROOKS (Bundoora – Minister for Housing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (14:16): There is no more important issue at the moment than housing. As we roll out the Big Housing Build, I am often left wondering why the Liberals and the Nationals do not support more regional social housing. I wonder why they will not call their federal colleagues and tell them to support the housing package that is currently in the Senate. The Andrews Labor government is getting on with the job and delivering $5.3 billion for the Big Housing Build, delivering over 12,000 social and affordable homes right across the state. As I have said in this place before, $1.25 billion is being invested in regional Victoria, whether it is the more than 500 social housing homes we are delivering in Geelong, the more than 150 we are delivering in the city of Latrobe, the more than 300 in Ballarat, the more than 300 in Greater Bendigo or the more than 200 in Swan Hill and Mildura. Some of these homes have been completed and others are underway. Of course on top of that the Premier has announced a further $1 billion regional housing package to deliver more social and affordable housing in regional Victoria. This is housing for people who are homeless, people who are fleeing family violence and people who are the most vulnerable in our society.

Roma Britnell interjected.

The SPEAKER: The member for South-West Coast can leave the chamber for half an hour.

Member for South-West Coast withdrew from chamber.

Colin BROOKS: But we know we could do even more if the Liberals and the Nationals stopped blocking more housing in the Senate. When I talk to councils and housing providers and community service obligations in regional Victoria, they cannot believe that politicians in Canberra would be blocking more funding for social housing right now when it is needed so badly. The question I have is why the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the Nationals will not pick up their phone and ring their colleagues in Canberra and urge them to support more social housing for Victorians in regional Victoria.

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, on relevance, the minister asked a question. This is an opportunity for –

Members interjecting.

James Newbury: The minister just said that he was asking a question in the middle of his ministers statement. Clearly that is not relevant to his statement.

The SPEAKER: The minister has discretion in how he makes his statement within his portfolio responsibilities and how it relates to other ministers, so it is relevant.

Colin BROOKS: I have a few seconds to go. I understand it is difficult – the Liberals and Nationals do not want to answer that question. But get on the phone and get more social housing for Victoria.