St Vincent de Paul Society NSW congratulates NSW Labor on State Election victory

The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW congratulates the NSW Labor Party on winning the election and looks forward to working with the Minns Government to create a more just and compassionate society.

“We look forward to working with Mr Minns and his government to shape a future where everyone has a safe, secure, stable and healthy place to live,” said Yolanda Saiz, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW Acting CEO.

“The Society called for housing justice through our state election platform to ensure that people can live securely in housing, support is available in times of hardship, and underlying issues that contribute to housing stress are remedied.

“It is vital that the NSW Government increases the supply of new social and affordable housing, renters are protected with stronger rights, and we see further investment in specialist homelessness services to ensure the most vulnerable members of our community are supported.

“There is a growing need for social and affordable housing throughout the state with many people waiting up to ten years for the essential right to a home.

“The housing crisis is driving a growing number of families and communities into precarity with house prices out of range for many and rents rising at an alarming rate,” said Ms Saiz.

“While the most recent census figures show a small decrease in homelessness between 2016 and 2021 in NSW, over the last decade, homelessness in this state has still significantly increased,” said Paul Burton, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW State Council President.

“The last 10 years have also seen an alarming growth in homelessness experienced by vulnerable groups like older women.

“Urgent and meaningful action is required to address the challenges we face.

“We have worked collaboratively with past state governments to address the inequalities that exist in society and look forward to continuing that relationship during the next term to bring about stronger social conditions for the people of NSW.

“The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW is committed to working with the new State Government to ensure everyone is afforded the services and standards to live with dignity,” said Mr Burton.

Media contact: Lachlan Jones | 0417 446 430