At the age of 86, Isabel Boxshall of Torquay, from my electorate of Corangamite, has offered us a glimpse into the pressing issue of affordable housing that affects countless Australians across our great nation. Ms Boxshall has lived through decades of change and challenges, and she carries a profound empathy for her fellow Australians and recognises why it's so important for parliament to pass the Housing Australia Future Fund Bill. Ms Boxshall is one of many local constituents who have recently contacted my office to voice their absolute frustration in response to the coalition and the Greens blocking our housing bill. She shared her story with me, explaining how she has opened her heart and her home, welcoming her granddaughter, Kirsty; and her four great-grandchildren to live with her, to give them a safe and secure place to call home. Kirsty lost her rental home earlier this month when her landlord opted to renovate. Despite holding a well-paying job, she has been unable to find a home for her family. It's been a real struggle for Kirsty.

Unfortunately, not everyone has a nan like Ms Boxshall who can step in and help. This story is a powerful reminder that the dream of a safe and secure home should be possible for every Australian. As a nation, we have an obligation to ensure that every individual, regardless of age or circumstance, has a place they can call home; a place where they can feel safe, cherished and supported—after all, adequate housing is a basic human right. The Albanese government recognises this, and that's why we are taking concrete steps to address this critical issue by reintroducing the Housing Australia Future Fund and related housing bills in the lower house.

This is not a mere political gesture; it is a steadfast commitment to making a real difference to the lives of people like Kirsty and countless others, who deserve better. Our proposed $10 billion housing fund will create tens of thousands of new homes, providing a beacon of hope to Australians in need. The fund will allocate 4,000 homes to women and children impacted by family and domestic violence, or older women at risk of homelessness. The fund will channel resources to address acute housing needs, including a $200 million allocation for the repair, maintenance, and improvement of housing in remote Indigenous communities. An additional $100 million will be dedicated to crisis and transitional housing for women and children impacted by family and domestic violence and older women at risk of homelessness. A further $30 million will also be invested to build housing and fund specialist services for veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness. This is a vital piece of work. Ms Isabel Boxshall's story is a poignant reminder that we must act with urgency, compassion and determination to build a brighter future for all Australians.

In closing, I urge the Greens and the coalition to stop blocking affordable housing and to join us in supporting this crucial legislation. Do not let the perfect stand in the way of the good. Let us come together, united in purpose, to create a fairer, more compassionate and inclusive Australia—a nation where the dream of home ownership is attainable and where no-one, especially not our older Australians, faces the uncertainty of housing insecurity. Because this is not about politics and statistics; this is about real people facing real, fundamental challenges. Without a home, it's difficult to function and get ahead. Ms Boxshall knows this; her granddaughter, Kirsty, knows this; and her great-grandchildren know this. So let's embrace this bill. Let's get on with it and help thousands of Australians just like Kirsty who deserve our support right now. Thank you.