The Nationals Member for Shepparton District Kim O’Keeffe has called on the Minister for Housing Harriet Shing in Parliament to urgently visit the region and meet with local housing agencies to address the severe housing crisis impacting the electorate.
“My office has been inundated with people desperately seeking housing. Recently I was contacted by a 52 year old woman and her 58 year old husband who are living in their car. This woman is a carer for her husband, who suffers from multiple serious health conditions, including heart disease, chronic asthma, and diabetes,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
“They were previously living in a shed but had to vacate due to leaks, mould, and infestations of rats and mice, which caused allergic reactions for her husband. The woman suffers from sleep apnoea and relies on a C-PAP machine, which she struggles to charge and use due to their circumstances. Both are now facing escalating anxiety and depression.”
Ms O’Keeffe said the couple have attempted to find stable housing, but this has been a challenge.
“Despite being on the priority waitlist with Beyond Housing and referred to Wintringham Housing, they have been told that Wintringham no longer accepts referrals. They have applied for every private rental they can afford, up to $400 per week, but said they could not compete with the huge number of applicants,” she said.
“This is just one of many cases. My electorate has one of the highest rates of homelessness in the state. Beyond housing is overwhelmed and unable to meet the demand. As of April, over 2000 people were on their waiting list. No one should have to live like this, especially those with significant health issues.
“Victoria’s net debt is set to reach a record $187.8 billion by 2027-28 under Labor, with interest repayments alone costing nearly $26 million every day. The Allan Labor Government’s financial mismanagement means less money for essential services like social housing.
“Labor can’t manage money, can’t manage social housing, and Victoria’s most vulnerable are paying the price.”