- Published:
- Thursday 20 May 2021
The Andrews Labor Government is backing up its record $5.3 billion Big Housing Build with even more support to ensure more Victorians have a roof over their head.
Work has already begun on the Labor Government’s massive housing build, which will give thousands of Victorians the stability of a home and thousands more the security of a job.
The Victorian Budget 2021/22 continues our approach, with more than $193 million to back successful programs supporting people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, while at the same time supporting 196 Victorian jobs.
This funding will lock‑in successful programs including $110 million for the Private Rental Assistance Program, which prevents and ends homelessness by rapidly rehousing people in private rentals – with more than 10,000 more households already in a home.
To help those sleeping rough across the state, $47 million will be delivered for the Homelessness Rough Sleeping Action Plan, including funding for outreach teams in Geelong, Frankston, Dandenong, Maroondah, Swan Hill, Bendigo and Warrnambool to get people sleeping rough into stable housing.
The Labor Government is investing $9.1 million for an Aboriginal family violence refuge in the Horsham region, providing culturally appropriate support services for survivors of family violence with the construction of up to six new residential units.
Because safe housing and education are critical to building strong futures, the Budget delivers a further $7.4 million for the Kangan Education First Youth Foyer in Broadmeadows, supporting young people at risk of or experiencing homelessness with access to accommodation and support to continue their education and training.
While $11 million will deliver accommodation for young people leaving care and the youth justice system to ensure they have all the support they need to stay on track. Additional funding also delivers enhanced housing pathways for people exiting prison and crisis accommodation services.
The Budget includes $6.6 million for improved support for public housing residents, with a focus on jobs and employment pathways, education and training.
These investments build on Victoria’s landmark $5.3 billion Big Housing Build – the largest investment in social and affordable housing in Australia’s history.
This historic investment will deliver more than 12,000 new homes – boosting Victoria’s social housing supply by 10 per cent – while creating 10,000 jobs each year over the next four years.
Big Housing Build works are set to ramp up this year, with fast‑start projects already underway in Ascot Vale, Ashburton, Flemington, Hawthorn, West Heidelberg and North Richmond.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing Richard Wynne
“Our investments in housing are fundamentally about giving more Victorians security and stability – whether that’s providing a roof over your head, or a job building one.”
“Last year showed why home truly matters. With this Budget, we’re continuing work to make sure more Victorians have that stable foundation.”