SHELTER is a basic human right, Jodie Harrison MP, Member for Charlestown, told the NSW Parliament this week, as she reaffirmed her commitment to improving social and public housing in the Charlestown electorate.

Issues with social and public housing, including maintenance concerns and transfer requests, are amongst the most common issues Ms Harrison deals with as the Member for Charlestown on a day-to-day basis.

And the situation has been getting worse, with waiting times for public housing in the Charlestown Electorate of up to five to ten years for anything larger than a one-bedroom apartment.

“Every day, I hear from people who are trying to navigate a public housing system left in an absolute shambles by the former Government,” Ms Harrison told the Parliament.

“But even the longest night is followed by the dawn. I am pleased to report that there is finally some positive news."

In just their first few months in office, the Minns Labor Government has started the work of repairing the State’s long-neglected public housing system.

“We are taking a more compassionate attitude towards people experiencing or facing homelessness, we are taking a more engaged stance with our public housing tenants and their needs, and we are doing it by taking on the problem right at its source,” Ms Harrison said.

“I am proud to be part of a Government that will streamline the network of agencies responsible for this area by creating Homes NSW. I am proud to be part of a government that is auditing all New South Wales Government land to identify options for more housing.

“I am proud to be part of a government that will remove barriers to the construction and provision of more high-density, low-cost and public housing. I am proud to be part of a government committed to working with the private sector to incentivise the provision of affordable housing.

“After 12 years of waiting, public housing tenants in Charlestown have reason to be optimistic. I am proud to say that the Minns Labor Government is deeply committed to ensuring everyone can live in safe, affordable housing.”