Victorian Budget invests in social housing pipeline
The state government has handed down a budget that will change the lives of thousands of families priced out of the private rental market, Community Housing Industry Association Victoria (CHIA Vic) said.
The government has added an initial $860 million to the Social Housing Growth Fund which will go towards building 7,000 extra community housing dwellings over the coming decade.
The budget also increases support for Tenancy Plus by $6 million, to help renters who need support to stay housed.
However, the budget failed to restore funding first promised in the 2021-22 budget to support 2,000 social housing renters living with mental illness.
"This is a budget that will change the lives of thousands of Victorians who are priced out of the private rental market and struggling to make ends meet," CHIA Vic CEO Sarah Toohey said.
"In a tough economic environment, the government has used this budget to help Victorians on the lowest incomes with theirs. Housing is the single biggest cost-of-living pressure and building more affordable rentals will stop more people falling into homelessness.
"It's fantastic that the State Government is continuing momentum from its historic Big Housing Build, with 7,000 additional social homes a meaningful step forward. But to meet the enormous demand for community housing we need to see the government build on this investment further in coming years.
"We're disappointed that the government has failed to reinstate funding it already promised several budgets ago to help social housing renters living with a mental illness.
"The government has walked away from this Royal Commission recommendation to deliver mental health supported homes for Victorians. This funding would allow specialised staff to provide tailored support to renters living with mental ill health and give them the best chance of recovery. More social housing is crucial but without the right supports, those with the most complex needs will struggle to recover and stay in their new home."