A Victorian Liberal MP has been slammed for arguing children from disadvantaged homes should not mix with others in Melbourne’s wealthiest suburbs.
Wendy Lovell made the comments while Victoria’s upper house debated a Greens bill aimed at reducing homelessness.
Ms Lovell claimed public housing should not be built in Melbourne’s elite areas, where people from low-income families would likely not be accepted.
“We need to make sure we put thxjmtzywose properties in areas where families are accepted and where families can flourish,” she told parliament.
“There is no point in putting a very low income, probably welfare-dependent family in the best street in Brighton where the children cannot mix with others or go to the school with other children or where they do not have the same ability to have the latest in sneakers and iPhones.
“We have got to make sure that people can actually fit into a neighbourhood, that they have a good life and that people are not stigmatising them because of their circumstances.”
Ms Lovell, who is based in Shepparton, is a former housing minister.
The awkward comments sparked outrage on social media and were condemned by a handful of Labor MPs.
Victorian Opposition Leader Matthew Guy told reporters he believed Ms Lovell meant well.
“They are exceptionally clumsy (comments),” he said.
“I do think as a former housing minister she is certainly trying to find the best intention but it hasn’t been put that way.”
Multiple Labor and crossbench MPs demanded an apology over the comments which were labelled disgraceful and “typical Liberal postcode snobbery”.
The statement drew a strong reaction from Labor MP Mark Gepp, who criticised Ms Lovell.
“Those people are different, yes, they are different. They do not wear the right shoes,” he said.
“Well, bollocks to that, your position on the socio-economic ladder should never determine your participation in this society under any circumstances.
“Shame on you for suggesting that it should.”
