“A meal matters. But people also need somewhere safe to sleep and a chance to rebuild their lives,” Mr Rouel said.
In July, Beyond Housing reported supporting more than 400 people who were sleeping rough over the previous 12 months across its Goulburn and Ovens Murray service area ― and it called for more crisis accommodation and a sustained increase in social housing.
“I’m proud to be part of a party prepared to support some of the most vulnerable people in our community,” Mr Rouel said.
“Conservative politics can have conviction, dignity and compassion. We can expect personal responsibility while recognising that sometimes people need support to get back on their feet.”
Mr Rouel said his priority for Wangaratta, Yarrawonga, Cobram, Myrtleford and Bright was access to housing that kept people connected to work, school and support networks.
He acknowledged the 44-home social housing development completed in Wangaratta in February 2025, but said the continuing need reported by frontline services demanded further action.
The policy also proposes enforcing public-space rules and move-on powers, but only after outreach workers have offered a place.
“Everyone deserves a hand up. That means making sure there’s a hand there when they reach for one,” Mr Rouel said.
“I want people in Ovens Valley to have the chance to rebuild their lives in the communities they call home.”
One Nation’s policy would:
• Expand crisis, transitional and temporary accommodation, with dedicated beds in every region, including for women and children escaping family violence.
• Trial land tax exemptions for willing owners who lease properties, including short-stay homes, to the state or community housing providers for 12-month tenancies.
• Fund a statewide By-Name List to connect people experiencing homelessness with an offer of housing and support.
• Trial employer incentives, including wage subsidies or payroll tax offsets, for hiring people on that list, and create entry-level state government jobs for people leaving homelessness.
