Following several deaths among people sleeping rough on the Mornington Peninsula, One Nation has unveiled a statewide homelessness policy proposing more emergency accommodation, long-term housing and targeted use of Short Stay Levy revenue.
Announced on Tuesday, 27 October, by Victorian One Nation leader Warren Pickering and Mornington candidate Ashli Beards, the policy aims to address both immediate homelessness and longer-term housing shortages.
Beards, who helped develop the policy, told STPL News:
“If elected as MP for Mornington, the Mornington Peninsula will become the cornerstone for this policy.”
What Does One Nation’s Homelessness Policy Propose?
The policy outlines several measures, including:
- Emergency accommodation: More crisis and transitional housing, including shelters for women and children escaping family violence.
- Housing supply: Modular accommodation on surplus Crown and council land, alongside additional social and affordable housing.
- Private rentals: Land tax incentives for landlords offering suitable properties for longer-term tenancies.
- Ongoing support: Housing First programs, mental health services and employment pathways for people exiting homelessness.
Beards said land had already been identified for projects, including domestic violence shelters, and referred to shovel-ready proposals.
She also identified Mornington Community Support Centre as a potential partner in delivering support services.
Short Stay Levy Funding
One Nation proposes directing revenue from Victoria’s 7.5 per cent Short Stay Levy towards housing and homelessness programs, with greater transparency over spending.
The levy is forecast to generate approximately $87 million in 2026–27, with revenue currently allocated to Homes Victoria for social and affordable housing.
Mornington Peninsula Shire has called for more locally generated levy revenue to be reinvested in the region, which is excluded from some regional housing programs due to its metropolitan classification.
How Does It Compare?
Homelessness has attracted commitments from several parties ahead of the 28 November Victorian election.
The Labor Government has budgeted $2.1 million over four years for two dedicated homelessness outreach workers on the Mornington Peninsula. It has also announced a $24.8 million statewide rough-sleeping plan.
The Liberal–Nationals Coalition has pledged $500,000 for two local support organisations, conditional on forming government, and proposed a new Victorian Homelessness Strategy.
The Greens have proposed 88,000 additional public homes statewide, supported by an initial $4 billion investment.
One Nation’s policy combines emergency accommodation, housing supply, landlord incentives and ongoing support, with an emphasis on directing existing revenue towards homelessness services.
What Happens Next?
Mornington Peninsula Shire recorded approximately 168 people sleeping rough at the end of May 2026, a 32 per cent increase over six months.
Beards says she intends to work with council and local organisations to prioritise accommodation and support for vulnerable residents.
