Victoria’s peak body for community housing says it’s disappointed and concerned the budget has not committed to new significant long-term funding for social housing, warning the housing crisis will get worse without a plan.
Community Housing Industry Association Victoria acting chief executive Jason Perdriau said he understood the budget challenges the Andrews Government faced, but argued building more social housing was an investment in the economic prosperity of the state.
“It’s clear that the housing crisis is getting worse. There’s never been a more urgent time for the state to build more social and affordable housing,” Mr Perdriau said.
“It’s pleasing to see the government invest $134 million in the continuation of Housing First responses as well as other targeted housing and homelessness supports. But it’s disappointing there’s no long-term funding pipeline for social and affordable housing beyond the Big Housing Build.
“Having a safe, decent home is the foundation of opportunity and stability to maintain employment, improve health, and participate in society and the economy. Housing stress and homelessness puts pressure on other human services including justice, mental health, and emergency departments.
“Without continued, long-term funding in social housing, Victoria risks falling further behind on social housing provision. Victoria is already the state with the lowest proportion of social housing in the country, and this looks set to worsen over time without action.
“A ten-year plan to repay the debt from Victoria’s pandemic response is central to this budget, however, the same consideration and long-term thinking is not applied to our state’s housing crisis.
“The lack of long-term funding in the budget for social housing highlights the need for reforms, such as inclusionary zoning, that would deliver the homes that Victoria needs now and in the future. The community housing sector stands ready to work with government to deliver solutions to the housing crisis.
“A strong and sustainable community housing sector is fundamental to a fair housing system in Victoria, and we urge the Andrews Government to continue building on their life-changing investments in social housing.”
