2016-02-09
4316. MS DUNN — To ask the Minister for Families and Children (for the Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing): In relation to the Family Access Network in Box Hill, which is experiencing a growing number of homeless young people in Eastern Metropolitan Melbourne who are facing unsafe situations and domestic violence:
(1) What action will the Minister take to address the housing crisis for young people in the Eastern Region.
(2) Will the Minister provide additional funding to the Family Access Network to combat this growing problem.
ANSWER:
I can advise that:
(1) The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring that young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness are helped to secure and maintain safe, stable housing, with access to education and training to enable economic and social participation. Access to these services can break the cycle of disadvantage and provide a foundation from which they can reach their full potential.
There are examples of good practice responses within the current service system but, despite this, homelessness, particularly amongst young people, continues to be a· concern. This is why in its first budget the government invested $180 million in new housing in the Eastern region, an additional $40 million to support Homelessness Innovation Action Projects and increased the Housing Assistance budget by 5.5%.
(2) The government is working in partnership with the homelessness and social housing sectors to consider reforms to the current responses. This work includes looking at ways in which we can prevent youth homelessness as well as rapidly house young people in sustainable arrangements when they do become homeless.
This work is complemented by broader government action to improve housing affordability. The Victorian Government is currently reviewing policies that affect housing affordability to inform future directions and any changes to service delivery arrangements will be considered in this context.
Martin Foley MP
Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing