Wednesday, 15 May 2024

Holmesglen youth foyer

John MULLAHY (Glen Waverley) (17:18): (664) My adjournment matter is directed to the Minister for Housing, and the action I seek is for the minister to join me at the Holmesglen youth foyer in my electorate to meet with the inspiring young Victorians who benefit from this program. I am so thrilled because in the 2024–25 state budget the Allan Labor government is proud to be investing $1.83 million in the Holmesglen youth foyer, which is run in collaboration with Launch Housing and the Brotherhood of St Laurence. It was great back in December to attend the 10th anniversary of this wonderful collaboration between these great organisations. The program provides purpose-built accommodation to young Victorians with lived experience of homelessness. Not only that, it is also co-located with Holmesglen TAFE and combined with wraparound academic and mental health supports. It is about giving vulnerable young Victorians the best start in life with world-class TAFE courses, quality housing and the support they need to make their career and personal aspirations become reality. Words really cannot express just how life-changing the Holmesglen youth foyer is.

As a Labor government we have a fundamental belief in the difference government can make as an agent for positive change. I am so glad for the sake of the vulnerable people across my district that Labor are in government in this state, because we are making meaningful improvements to the lives of Victorians. Funding for the Holmesglen youth foyer is a case in point. It is giving vulnerable young people the best start in life.

With this Friday being IDAHOBIT, I would also like to briefly acknowledge the Holmesglen youth foyer’s focus on supporting LGBTIQA+ young people. In Victoria equality is not negotiable, nor is the right for Victorians to lead their lives with dignity and stability. I am so proud to be a member of the Allan Labor government that is making it a reality and investing in the Glen Waverley community, not just in the Holmesglen youth foyer but also in our major local social housing builds. Dozens and dozens of new social housing homes are being constructed across my community. The housing minister and I recently met with some of my new constituents, and there were tears of joy when they talked about the positive impact our investments into social housing have made. Whether it is funding the Holmesglen youth foyer or the Big Housing Build homes in Whitehorse and Monash, I commend the housing minister for her work, and I look forward to her response.