CEO Rebecca Casson spoke with ABC Radio yesterday (16 November) about the broad benefits to our industry and Victorians alike of the state government’s $5.3 billion social housing investment. Listen to the short segment here, starting at 27.30.

“We welcome the announcement of the government’s record investment in social housing, it’s something Master Builders Victoria has been strongly advocating for,” Rebecca said.

“We know Victoria will have to lean on the building and construction industry to lead the state’s economic recovery, so we have looked at how our industry can do that while also meeting other Government objectives – including further investment in regional Victoria, jobs for apprentices and more jobs created for women.

“Homelessness is a complex issue that we don’t profess to be an authority on, but we know that investment in social housing, delivered in partnership with industry, can assist by providing greater options.

“Though most of the building and construction industry has been able to stay safe and open since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, almost 30,000 Victorians in our industry have lost their jobs since March.  To get some of those back at work through this program, whilst providing places for the most vulnerable of our community to live in an enduring government asset, means everyone benefits.”