Wednesday, 30 October 2024

 Natalie SULEYMAN (St Albans – Minister for Veterans, Minister for Small Business, Minister for Youth) (14:26): It is really simple: more homes means more opportunity for all Victorians, but especially for younger generations. Every weekend another round of auctions passes. For some it is good news; for others it is another disappointment. Young people want homes in the communities they love, grew up in and want to live in. The Premier’s announcements last week will be a game changer. New zones in Melbourne’s inner suburbs will deliver housing near good public transport and of course education. We are slashing stamp duty on off-the-plan apartments, units and townhouses, and of course unlocking new land will increase affordable homes. And this government is taking a commonsense approach to allow subdividing on your own block.

Last week, together with the hardworking member for Broadmeadows, I visited the Broadmeadows youth foyer, and of course we met a great team. The work the Launch Housing team does provides young people with temporary accommodation and support services. We spoke to a young resident who wants to transition into her own home. And of course I had the opportunity, together with the member for Greenvale, to meet with student leaders across Greenvale Secondary College. They were fantastic. We got to hear firsthand their love for their diverse and multicultural community. Let us be clear: we are making it easier for young people to get into secure homes, and the other side quite frankly continue to be blockers who are fixated on ending the dreams of the next generation, including their own frontbench.

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, according to Speaker Brooks’s ruling, attacks on the opposition in ministers statements are out of order.

The SPEAKER: Minister, I ask you to not attack the opposition.

Natalie SULEYMAN: Let us be very clear: Labor is the party of aspiration because our young people deserve to have a place to call their own.