Victoria’s Landmark Housing Plan: One Year Later

The State of Housing Crisis in Victoria

Overview

• Rents increasing higher than inflation and wages
• Crisis worsening in key indicators
• Uncertainty around government’s 800,000-home target for social housing
  

  Impact of the Housing Plan
  

• Major housing plan announced by former Premier Dan Andrews
• Aimed to address planning process, in-fill housing, renters’ safety, and social/affordable housing
• Rents statewide up 13%
• Social housing waiting list at 51,602 households
  

  Current Challenges
  

• More households added to social housing waiting list than cleared
• Only 1600 more social housing dwellings since 2017
• Number of people needing homelessness support services remains high
  

  Financial Support Measures
  

• Age pension, carer payment, parenting payment, JobSeeker, and rent assistance increased
• Single parents receive an extra $1.64 per day
• Calls for JobSeeker and unemployment payment to increase to pension rate
  

  Government Initiatives
  

• Federal Social Services Minister highlights social security increases
• Victorian government investing $6.3bn in housing for new social and affordable homes
• Redevelopment of Melbourne’s high-rise housing estates for modern, secure, and accessible social homes
  

  Analysis
  

  The housing crisis in Victoria continues to worsen, with rents skyrocketing and social housing waiting lists growing. While government initiatives aim to address these issues, more needs to be done to provide affordable housing for all residents. The increase in financial support measures is a step in the right direction, but further action is needed to ensure the most vulnerable members of society are supported.

  Overall, the current state of the housing crisis in Victoria highlights the urgent need for comprehensive solutions that address the root causes of homelessness and housing insecurity. By investing in social and affordable housing, increasing financial support for those in need, and implementing sustainable housing policies, we can work towards a future where every Victorian has access to safe and affordable housing.