13 October 2020

This week is anti-poverty week – an annual event shining a spotlight on poverty to encourage Australians to focus on a solution. This year the campaign will focus on supporting affordable housing to reducing poverty.

There are 500 people experiencing homelessness in Gippsland and a shortfall of 3,100 social housing dwellings. In Indi, there are 400 people experiencing homelessness with 2,700 social housing dwellings required.

There are 500 people experiencing homelessness in Mallee and a shortfall of 3,000 social housing dwellings. In Wannon, there are 400 people experiencing homelessness and 2,500 social housing dwellings required.

This proves our community is not immune to homelessness, and the Morrison Government has ignored this crisis by failing to invest a single extra dollar in social housing in the Budget.

Senator for Victoria, Raff Ciccone says the solution to homelessness is a no brainer.

“Housing Affordability is one of the biggest issues facing Australians, and the COVID-19 crisis has made it even clearer just how important safe and affordable housing is,” Senator Ciccone said.

“For months Labor has been calling on the Morrison Government to invest more in social housing. This would be a win-win. It would provide work for thousands of tradies and put a roof over the head of Australians who desperately need it.”

There are also more Australians experiencing homelessness than ever before, particularly among women and children experiencing domestic and family violence, older women, veterans and our First Nations people.

Homelessness in Australia is defined as people sleeping rough, couch surfing, living in a car or other vehicle, or in a single dwelling of extreme overcrowding.

Labor is calling on the Morrison Government to create work for thousands of tradies in almost every suburb and town across Australia by investing half a billion dollars to fast-track urgent repairs to social housing,” Senator Ciccone said.