- Published:
- Tuesday 3 May 2022
The Andrews Labor Government is building on its record $5.3 billion Big Housing Build with even more support to help Victorians get a safe and secure roof over their head.
The Labor Government is getting on with its landmark housing build – the largest single investment of any Australian government in social housing – which will give thousands of Victorians the stability of a home and thousands more the security of a job.
As that work powers ahead, the Victorian Budget 2022/23 will invest $75 million to transform services for Victorians experiencing or at risk of homelessness – including tailored support to get them into permanent housing.
It will include funding for an Aboriginal Homelessness Access Point to provide a culturally appropriate response to Aboriginal people’s homelessness needs, and $24 million for new accommodation to help Victorians who need support to maintain their housing.
We know the effects of the pandemic linger for many families – so we’ll invest a further $11.5 million to provide targeted support to Victorians at greatest risk of homelessness because of COVID-19.
Funding of $9.4 million over two years will be provided to the Homelessness After Hours Service, as well as services and accommodation for 40 young people at the Holmesglen Education First Youth Foyer.
Work is ramping up across Victoria on the Big Housing Build, with more than 6,000 homes already underway or soon to commence construction. More than $2 billion has been spent on construction and development since the program started – creating 20,000 jobs.
The Big Housing Build is set to deliver more than 12,000 new social and affordable homes and is creating 10,000 jobs a year. It is delivering secure, modern, and affordable homes throughout Victoria, with 25 per cent of funding allocated to regional Victoria.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing Richard Wynne
“Every Victorian deserves the safety and security of a roof over their head – and for many, social housing and homelessness services offer a life-changing helping hand.”
“Our unprecedented investment in safe, secure housing will change lives – providing a home for even more Victorians and creating thousands of jobs as we recover from the pandemic.”