State Government’s priority on family violence welcomed

Launch Housing congratulates the Victorian Government for their unprecedented commitment to addressing the tragedy of family violence, announced in today’s State Budget.

“Family violence is the biggest single driver of family and child homelessness in this state, and we applaud the Victorian Government for their commitment to addressing its impacts on vulnerable families,” said Launch Housing CEO Tony Keenan.

“As Victoria’s largest independent provider of homelessness services, sadly over half of our clients have experienced family violence.

“Initiatives including $48 million in this year’s budget on long term housing for victims of family violence, and improved crisis accommodation, are great to see.

“We are also particularly pleased to see a further increase in the already successful head leasing program ($2 million in 2017/18).

“Quickly rehousing families who are forced to leave is fundamental to getting families back on track and ensuring that children stay in school. The budget announcements today will make a significant impact in minimising the harm caused by family violence.

“We welcome the $2.1 billion in social housing initiatives, which are the most substantial reform that we have seen in social housing in many years,” Mr Keenan added.

“Launch Housing looks forward to continuing our partnership work with the Government to support these initiatives and find sustainable housing for the most vulnerable members of the Victorian community,” Mr Keenan added.

ENDS