The Victorian government has pledged $5.3bn in Melbourne and regional areas to build 12,000 social housing units.
The package, which is to be included in the 2020/21 state budget released on 24 November, will provide 9,300 new homes and replace 1,100 existing public housing units.
Daniel Andrews said 2,000 of the new homes would be for for people living with mental illness, while 2,900 new low-cost and affordable homes would be designed to help low-to – moderate income earners live closer to work.
The Victorian premier said there will also be 1,000 homes to support Indigenous Victorians and another 1,000 to support victims of family abuse.
“This will change lives – giving thousands of Victorians the security and stability of a home,” Andrews said.
“It’s a profound investment in a stronger, fairer Victoria – a Victoria that recognises everyone deserves a place to call home.”