Kate Langbroek victory: St Kilda boarding house to shut down

A crime-ridden boarding house will be immediately shut down and turned into a women’s shelter, following an attempted home invasion that left radio star Kate Langbroek bruised and battered.

Victoria’s Housing Minister Martin Foley announced the government is spending $6 million to shut down and refit The Regal boarding house on Little Grey Street in St Kilda. 

Foley told Starts at 60: “We understand the level of community concern about the Little Grey Street boarding house. No-one should have to live in fear for themselves or their family.

“That’s why we’re taking action to close it down and have the premises undergo a $6 million refurbishment.”

The Labor MP released an official statement yesterday via social media stating: “Today I was pleased to announce that we will fund an application from @PPHA_Housing to close the Little Grey St boarding house. New CCTV will also help boost community safety.”

Today I was pleased to announce that we will fund an application from @PPHA_Housing to close the Little Grey St boarding house. New CCTV will also help boost community safety. #springst

— Martin Foley (@Martin__Foley) March 8, 2018

On Tuesday, Langbroek called on the Victorian government to clean up the gentrified area, which has a long history of crime. The comedian revealed to listeners on her radio program, the Hughsey and Kate show, that a man attempted to carjack her babysitter last Friday night outside her St Kilda home. 

“What happened to Ms Langbroek is completely unacceptable, and our thoughts go out to her and her family,” Foley said. “I have spoken with Ms Langbroek personally, and I’m pleased that an arrest has been made and this matter is now before the courts.”

Foley said the government is taking “immediate action”, explaining that, “We are taking immediate action to improve community safety with the roll out of hundreds of additional police this week as part of our record investment – including 13 extra police for the Port Phillip region.”

He said the government will also expand the St Kilda CCTV network by installing new camera in Little Grey Street, which will be linked to the local police station. 

“We’re also working closely with Victoria Police and local housing agencies to address the root causes of some of the recent issues in the St Kilda area,” he said. 

According to multiple reports, a man charged over Langbroek incident will face court in May. 

What do you think? Did the Victorian government do the right thing?

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