By Olivia Condous
Housing affordability and mental health are the top concerns for residents of the federal electorates of Ballarat and Gorton, according to new reports.
The Salvation Army National Social Justice Stocktake Report (NSJSR) surveyed more than 15,000 Australians across each state and territory to compile comprehensive research on which concerns are most important to different communities.
On a statewide level, the top three issues were mental health, housing affordability and alcohol and drug misuse.
For the federal electorate of Ballarat, 59 per cent of surveyed residents indicated that mental health was the most important issue, with housing affordability and alcohol and drug misuse following.
The Salvation Army report indicated the high number of residents concerned by mental health issues was a result of the extensive COVD-19 lockdowns the electorate endured.
According to the report, 27 per cent of Victorians have experienced high or very high levels of psychological distress, which was almost 10 per cent higher than the rest of Australia.
The primary concern for the federal electorate of Gorton was housing affordability, as 50% of respondents said this was a pressing issue, followed by mental health and family violence.
According to the Salvation Army report, the region has a housing shortfall of 600 homes and an estimated 2800 people in Gorton are currently experiencing homelessness.
46 per cent of Gorton respondents marked family violence as one of the top issues in their community, which was 10 per cent more than the statewide results.
Gorton MP Brendan O’Connor said the report findings were concerning and the Labor Party planned to combat these issues in future.
“Under Scott Morrison and Josh Frydenberg the costs of living like petrol & housing are skyrocketing while real wages are going backwards, that’s why we see the people of Gorton working hard but not getting ahead,
“Labor has a plan for cheaper childcare, cheaper power bills and more secure, well-paid jobs,
“We will create a ten billion dollar Housing Australia Future Fund to build social and affordable housing now and into the future.”
Mr O’Connor also addressed the rising issue of family violence in the Gorton electorate and said Labor planned to fight for paid leave for victims.
“We will legislate ten days paid family and domestic violence leave, because women experiencing family violence should not have to choose between leaving a violent relationship and keeping their job.”
To read more about the Salvation Army National Social Justice Stocktake Report, go to www.salvationarmy.org.au/socialjusticestocktake/.
