Wednesday 6 March 2024
Labor fails Victoria’s most vulnerable
The Allan Labor Government must urgently act to address the ongoing social housing crisis
in Victoria, as vulnerable families miss out.
Doug, a single father from Warrnambool and his two children, including his daughter Nova
who has cerebral palsy and uses a motorised wheelchair, have been waiting on the social
housing list for four years.
Last week, following media exposure on their plight, the Allan Labor Government issued a
statement stating, “there are currently no social housing properties that meet the family’s
specific needs in Warrnambool”.
The family are currently living in a motel room courtesy of a community member, while
Doug and his children have until 12 March before their only housing option may be to return
to living in a disused bus in a paddock with no water or power.
Doug has stretched his friends’ goodwill through couch surfing and used up the five days in
a motel room the Salvation Army were able to provide.
The Liberals and Nationals call on the Allan Labor Government to immediately intervene and
find suitable social housing for Doug and his family.
Shadow Minister for Housing, Richard Riordan, said: “The situation Doug and his family are
in is simply unacceptable. Labor cannot manage the social housing crisis in Victoria and
vulnerable families such as Doug’s are suffering as a result.”
Member for South-West Coast, Roma Britnell, said: “Public houses in Warrnambool are
currently sitting idle and unoccupied. The Premier stated only yesterday that the
government was providing families with the dignity of a roof over their heads. The Premier
must immediately intervene and provide Doug and his children with the dignity of a home.”
Roma Britnell MP
Member for South West Coast
Shadow Minister for Ports and Freight
Shadow Minister for Child Protection
Shadow Minister for Boating and Fishing
