South-Eastern Metropolitan Region
Ann-Marie HERMANS (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:50): (211) My question is to the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure. Minister, I have been contacted by a constituent who is being forced to relocate for at least 12 months due to the Level Crossing Removal Project and what they call the ‘light rail project’ being undertaken in Parkdale. The government is offering to relocate this constituent for 12 months but is only offering to pay the lease in four-month periods. Given my constituent has to pay the lease on their existing rental property, they believe that the government should be paying the full 12 months of rent on the new property in advance. My constituent is concerned with having to pay their existing rent plus the rent on the remaining eight months on the new property. Given my constituent is under extreme pressure to find a suitable home to work in, live in and move to and has been given a deadline to do so of 12 weeks, they need an urgent resolution to this matter. Minister, can you please ensure that my constituent has their rent paid 12 months in advance, prior to them having to vacate their existing rental property, and meet with residents to hear their concerns. I look forward to hearing from the minister as soon as possible.