The government worked hard to improve supply and affordability. For instance, we boosted supply by unlocking enough land for another 100,000 housing lots and an- nounced plans for 12 new communities with a capacity for another 50,000 homes. In ad- dition, I worked with the housing industry to devise new models for housing develop- ment, including build-to-rent, and funded 11 councils to develop affordable-housing strategies. Besides specific actions, though, we need- ed to have an informed public discussion about the kind of communities we want to live and work in. For instance, only a frac- tion of rental properties in Melbourne are currently affordable to someone on the Newstart Allowance. Is that the kind of com- munity we want? Are we prepared to live in a society where there is an underclass that is effectively homeless? And do we understand that, by allowing this kind of economic sec- tarianism to exist, we run the risk of stunting our community and economy? I live in Melbourne’s inner city. My office was a short walk from that wonderful mu- ral in Collingwood. And I’ve walked up and down the stairs of those public-housing towers. And I’ve been deeply impressed – and moved – by the people I’ve met in those housing towers. The Collingwood public-housing estate is a strong community – just like so many oth- er strong communities across Victoria. And, right now, Victoria needs that community strength in all its diversity and vitality. With that in mind, let me come back to Arden, Yulius, Ni Na and Badia – the four
Melburnians immortalised on that mural. When I see the mural, I think of all the nder- ful people I met as they passed through that public-housing estate. People from every corner of the world who came here to build a better future – and who used public hous- ing as a launching pad for themselves and their children. If you’re wondering what drove me, po- litically, it was the great Victorians like the residents in the Collingwood public-housing estate. I worked for the future they will help create – a future that is all about diversity and sustainability, and community and op- portunity. Richard Wynne is a member of the Labor Party and the former Minister for Planning, Minister for Housing, Minister for Multicultur- al Affairs in the Victorian Government.
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