Alarming data from the Productivity Commission’s Report on Government Services (RoGS) has revealed that Victoria has slumped to new lows in social housing dwellings, with fewer dwellings in 2024 than in 2015.
As of 30 June 2024, Victoria had a total of 64,223 social housing dwellings, a reduction of 497 from the same time in 2023 and 181 fewer than in 2015.
The numbers highlight the fact that the Labor Government’s so-called Big Housing Build has been nothing but a big flop.
The Nationals’ Member for Shepparton District, Kim O’Keeffe, said the figures were confronting with more than 51,000 applications on the state’s social housing register including 2,222 for the Shepparton District and 237 for Nathalia.
“The Allan Labor Government has overseen a reduction of close to 500 social housing dwellings in just one year,” she said.
“This comes at a time when the government’s own policies are driving up the cost of living and taking money out of the pockets of hardworking Victorians, forcing many people into precarious living conditions.
“I’m regularly contacted by locals who are at breaking point, uncertain about their future and whether they’ll have a roof over their heads.
“With so many people waiting for social housing in our community these figures are an indictment of the Labor Government’s social housing record.
“We are also seeing a significant number of rental properties being sold due to the increased land tax and short stay tax.
“It is often no longer viable and in the past 18 months Victoria has seen a reduction of more than 20,000 rental properties. This is in the midst of a housing shortage crisis.
“Rent is being increased on rental properties to cover increased taxes.
“How can people find extra money when they are already struggling to make ends meet in a cost-of-living crisis?
“It’s time that this government prioritise housing over their city-centric projects and help people that need a roof over their head.
“Labor can’t manage money, can’t manage social housing and Victorians are paying the price.”