By Prealene Khera
In an effort to address serious and overwhelming levels of socio-economic disadvantage in the municipality, Hume council has backed a bid to establish a dedicated group to draw up solutions to tackle the debilitating challenge.
The decision follows councillor Kate Hamley’s impassioned plea to do the “right thing” at the December 9 council meeting.
Cr Hamley moved a successful motion to push for the formation of a working committee to investigate options to address socio-economic disadvantage in Hume.
It comes after the Victorian Council of Social Service’s (VCOSS) Mapping poverty in Victoria 2023 report found the region had the highest rate of poverty in the state.
“[This] report emphasises how serious a problem social economic inequality has become in Hume,” Cr Hamley said.
“Modern day poverty is hidden behind record housing unaffordability, high rents, and household debt.
“You might not see it, but there are people in our community that can’t afford food, that can’t afford heating or cooling and can’t afford to leave their homes.”
According to the report tabled at the council meeting, VCOSS’ findings highlighted a pressing need for action, which Cr Hamley’s appeal also mirrored.
“With our community in crisis, it’s our duty to act,” she said. “Hume is one of the first local government areas in Victoria with a social justice charter, which even preceded the Victorian charter of human rights and responsibilities.
“We have a history of standing for fairness. This motion isn’t a criticism of this council’s action to date, but an invitation to do more, because we can, we should and because it’s the right thing to do.”
Other than giving the green light to the working group, the motion included the council formally recognising the harm that socio-economic disadvantage is causing to the community, as well appointing the mayor and chief executive to oversee the development of a terms of reference document to guide the purpose, scope and functioning of the working group.
Any recommendations arising from this process will be referred for consideration as part of the council’s 2025-26 budget process.
