The Victorian Greens have called on the Andrews Government to ensure no-one is made homeless or pushed into housing insecurity as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last night all four state MPs sent a joint letter to Ministers Wynne and Kairouz, calling on them to look out for those whose housing security is under threat as a result of the crisis.
Over the past fortnight the Greens have been contacted from many renters who are deeply worried that if their employment is reduced or cancelled, they will struggle to pay their rent.
With the National Cabinet due to discuss rent relief, the Greens are urging the Victorian Government to put forward the following proposals for consideration:
- A moratorium on evictions and rental increases for at least six months
- A mechanism to provide rent relief for those who are losing income and may not be in a position to pay their usual rent
- Payment flexibility for essential utilities, and a guarantee of continued connection for power, water and the internet for everyone.
Leader of the Victorian Greens, Samantha Ratnam, said that renters should not have to be forced to choose between rent and food and other essentials.
As stated by Leader of the Victorian Greens, Samantha Ratnam MLC:
"Before this pandemic the state of housing in Victoria was precarious at best, but now renters across the state are at serious risk of losing their homes or being unable to afford food and other essentials without urgent support.
"In these times of great stress and uncertainty it is critical that we support people to have safe and secure housing.
"We're calling on the Government to assure Victorians that everyone deserves a home by preventing renters from losing theirs."
