1st of May, 2024
Victorian Legislative Council, Melbourne

RACHEL PAYNE (South-Eastern Metropolitan): My constituency question is for the Minister for Housing. My constituent is a young woman living in Casey. She has recently been informed that her lease will not be renewed. Despite working full time, having a strong rental history and plenty of notice to start looking for a new rental, she has struggled to find one. Unfortunately, data from the Council to Homeless Persons shows that this is an all-too-common story. Casey recorded the highest demand for services for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness, so my constituent asks: what is the minister doing to ensure that the residents of Casey can afford accessible rentals?

Written Response, Provided 17th of September 2024:

I thank the Member for the South-Eastern Metropolitan Region and her constituent for her question on 1 May 2024 about property affordability in the City of Casey.

I am sorry to hear that the Member for the South-Eastern Metropolitan Region’s constituent has been informed that her lease will not be renewed, and that she has so far been unable to find a new rental.

The Victorian Government recently announced an additional $7.8 million investment over three years to support vulnerable Victorians through the Rental Stress Support Package, as part of Victoria’s Housing Statement. Nine community service organisations will deliver services for renters such as information and advice, advocacy and legal assistance. For further advice on eligibility and accessing support through this program, the constituent may contact Consumer Affairs Victoria.

The Private Rental Assistance Program (PRAP) is a Victorian Government initiative designed to divert people from entering homelessness by helping them stay housed in their private rental or rapidly rehouse into the private rental market. PRAP provides specialist advice, advocacy, and brokerage to access or sustain private rental housing. PRAP Plus can also provide intensive case management. The constituent may be eligible to access these supports through Launch Housing who are funded to deliver this service across the Southern Melbourne area.

Homes Victoria is also delivering affordable housing. Homes Victoria affordable is creating a unique alternative to the private rental market to help low to moderate income Victorian renters get access to high quality and secure housing at an affordable rent. Under the program, rents in metropolitan Melbourne are set at least 10 per cent below the area’s median market rent, with the added protection of a cap set at 30 per cent of the median income. The constituent can find out more information about the program and eligibility at https://www.homes.vic.gov.au/homes-victoria-affordable. Currently, there are affordable homes available for eligible households at Cheltenham and Hawthorn. 

If the constituent feels that her rental provider has acted illegally or unprofessionally, then I suggest that this matter is referred to Consumer Affairs for the best advice. The constituent can contact Consumer Affairs via phone, post or their online enquiry form.

The Victorian Government recognises that every Victorian deserves the dignity of living in a home that is safe, secure and fit-for-purpose. We know there is high demand for social and affordable housing across Victoria, which is why the government is making record investments in housing and homelessness services.

The 2024-25 Victorian Budget provides $196.9 million over the next four years to continue the delivery of vital programs that support people who are homeless and at risk of homelessness.

In 2023-24, the Victorian Government invested $22.4 million to deliver homelessness services in the Southern Melbourne area, which includes the City of Casey. This supports people at risk of or experiencing homelessness through homelessness entry points, the Private Rental Assistance Program, Supported Crisis Accommodation, Housing Establishment Fund brokerage, the Transitional Housing Management (THM) Program, Youth Foyers, and case management support.

Through the Big Housing Build, 2,400 affordable rental homes, located close to shops, transport and workplaces, are being delivered. These are high-quality homes that offer stable rental agreements to eligible Victorians, in locations they’re needed. This eases housing affordability and supports many Victorians struggling to access a stable affordable place to call home.  

The Affordable Housing Investment Partnership (AHIP) makes low interest loans and government guarantees available to finance social and affordable housing for Victorians who need it most. AHIP expands on the existing Building Financial Capacity of Housing Agencies initiative, bringing the total finance available to $2.1 billion.

We are also delivering more homes for more Victorians across the Casey Local Government Area. Under the Big Housing Build, 96 new homes have been completed and 36 new homes are underway, with a total Big Housing Build investment of $53 million, creating 475 jobs in the local economy. In addition, 21 new homes have been completed and 2 new homes are underway as part of other capital programs, with a total investment of $7.5 million, creating 70 jobs in the local economy. We are also investing $11.5 million to maintain or upgrade over 800 social housing dwellings to ensure that existing social housing stock is fit for purpose to residents.

I thank the Member for the South-Eastern Metropolitan Region for her advocacy on behalf of community members and her recognition of the importance of social and affordable housing. I hope this information supports the constituent. I look forward to continuing to work with you and members of your community to maximise the Big Housing Build and the benefits of the Housing Statement for Casey.  

Hon Harriet Shing MP
Minister for Housing