Tuesday, 15 October 2024

Ministers statements: housing

Sonya KILKENNY (Carrum – Minister for Planning, Minister for the Suburbs) (14:26): I am absolutely delighted to be able to update the house on how Victoria is leading the nation when it comes to building more homes. ABS data published last week confirms Victoria is building thousands more homes than any other state. In the last 12 months Victoria has built more than 60,000 homes, which is nearly 15,000 more than New South Wales and 27,000 more than Queensland, and when it comes to home approvals Victoria continues to set the national benchmark, approving 10,000 more homes than New South Wales and 18,000 more homes than Queensland.

We have not got here by accident. We know that, when you build more homes, housing becomes more affordable, and right now Melbourne is one of the most affordable capital cities for homebuyers. But simply doing better than other states is not enough. We want more homes for young Victorians and more homes for families, and where those homes go matters. That is why we are planning for more homes in activity centres – 60,000 more homes in these great locations with good transport connections, close to services and jobs and close to family and friends. We want Victorians to have opportunity and choice about where they live. It is the right thing to do; it is the fair thing to do.

Just ask Cameron from Camberwell. Cameron, who works in hospitality, wrote to me recently, and he wrote, ‘Please let my voice be as loud as the NIMBYs. This housing needs to be built.’ I hear you, Cameron. The Allan Labor government hears you, and we are going to do even more to build more homes for young Victorians just like Cameron. Contrast this with others, people who say they support more homes but who, when the shovels are about to hit the ground, get on the utes and block more housing in their own backyards.