Hastings electorate
Paul MERCURIO (Hastings) (14:59): (289) There is constant talk on the news, on the radio, on social media, in my community and indeed in this chamber about the lack of social and affordable housing in our communities. With rental fees going up and with the rates having gone up, there is real and intense financial stress not just within my community but right across Victoria. So my constituency question is to the Minister for Housing: could the minister provide an update to my community in the electorate of Hastings on what social and affordable housing is currently being planned or built in my area? As mentioned in my inaugural speech, there are jobs available in my community; however, due to the lack of affordable and social housing for people to live in, many jobs remain unfulfilled. This leads to a lack of economic stability in the community, greater distress to employees and the unfortunate result of businesses closing and shopfronts being empty. I look forward to hearing from the minister regarding the great work the Andrews Labor government is doing to provide social and affordable housing in my electorate.