Youth Affairs Council Victoria (YACVic) commends the Victorian Government for its announcement of significant spending on social housing, and calls for young people’s needs and ideas to be included in planning processes. 

“This important investment will make a real dent in the waitlists for social housing in the Victorian system,” says Katherine Ellis, CEO of YACVic.  “It is vital that young people also have access to the new housing stock, and are involved in design so that it suits their unique needs and the way they want to live. 

“Investing in social housing is a major step towards ending youth homelessness, and the Government also needs to fix the systemic barriers that currently prevent young people from accessing social housing.  This includes addressing the shortcomings of the social housing financial model which disadvantages young people on lower and less secure incomes. 

“With at least 6,000 young people homeless in Victoria every single night before COVID-19, more must be done to ensure young people stop falling through the cracks.   

“Many more young people are now at risk of homelessness, due to job losses and financial uncertainty resulting from the pandemic response, and secure housing will be a critical feature of their ability to bounce back and recover their lives.” 

YACVic’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan for Young People calls on Government and others to invest in six priority areas including housing, with the aim of restoring young Victorians’ futures.  The other priorities are employment, mental health, access and inclusion, youth participation and a strong youth sector. 

The COVID-19 Recovery Plan for Young People has been endorsed by over 50 major organisations which play a key role in supporting young people, including Melbourne City Mission, Orygen, the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and VicHealth.  

Media Contacts: Katherine Ellis, YACVic CEO and Luke Rycken, YACVic Policy Manager are available for interviews. For media enquiries you can contact  Katia Pellicciotta (she/her), YACVic Media and Communications Coordinator on 9267 3744 or KPellicciotta@YACVic.org.au

 

About Youth Affairs Council Victoria (YACVic) 

Youth Affairs Council Victoria (YACVic) is the peak body and leading advocate for young people aged 12–25 and the youth sector in Victoria. Established in 1960, YACVic advocates for the rights of young people in Victoria to ensure they are active, visible and valued in their communities.