BACKING VICTORIAN RENTERS WHEN THEY NEED IT MOST

The Allan Labor Government is delivering on a key promise of the landmark Housing Statement, with more support for Victorian renters in the Mallee region experiencing rental stress.

Minister for Consumer Affairs Gabrielle Williams launched the $7.8 million Rental Stress Support Package, which will support organisations across the state to deliver a range of services to renters experiencing rental stress.

Mallee Family Care will receive $170,027 in funding to provide community education, information, advice, and advocacy services to renters in need of assistance.

Around 5 per cent of Victorian households are facing serious rental stress, with demand increasing for organisations that provide information and advice, financial counselling, advocacy and legal assistance to Victorian renters.

The Rental Stress Support Package will help families stay in their homes and prevent homelessness, and builds on the Housing Statement commitment to back the critical work of community organisations addressing the high demand for rental assistance we know is being seen across Victoria.

Other organisations receiving funding are Anglicare Victoria, Launch Housing, Justice Connect, Housing for the Aged Action Group, Child and Family Services Ballarat, South East Community Links, and Quantum Support Services.

Tenants Victoria was also selected in partnership with local not-for-profit organisations ARC Justice, Barwon Community Legal Service, Peninsula Community Legal Centre and WEstjustice.

The package builds on a $4.74 million investment to support Consumer Affairs Victoria’s tenancy programs, including the Tenancy and Retirement Housing Assistance and Advocacy Programs.

These programs helped more than 8,800 Victorian renters last financial year with information and advice, negotiation support and assistance with VCAT hearings.        

Quotes attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes

“Our Rental Stress Support Package will provide extra help to renters experiencing rental stress, building on the more than 130 rental reforms we’ve already delivered to strengthen renters’ rights and further work to come through our Housing Statement.”