Media Release by The Hon Christian Porter MP

Helping homeless youth and women and children escape family and domestic violence

Joint Media Release with:

  • Brad Hazzard
    NSW Minister for Family, Community Services and Social Housing

An additional $60 million will flow to homeless services in New South Wales, with a strong focus on homeless young people and the victims of domestic violence.

The Commonwealth and State Governments have agreed on a project plan to fund specific frontline services.

Under the National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness (NPAH), the Commonwealth will provide $60 million over the next two years. This investment will help reduce homelessness and increase the assistance available for women and children experiencing domestic violence.

“The former government didn’t provide future funding for the National Partnership on Homelessness but the Coalition’s extended the agreement because we understand the importance of these services. I’m delighted to sign this plan and contribute this funding,” the Minister for Social Services, Christian Porter, said. “Our agreement will ensure the funding flows to the frontline so the money directly helps those most in need.”

“At a government level and as a society as a whole, we must confront domestic violence and homelessness. A wonderful country like Australia cannot tolerate men beating women and young Australians sleeping on the streets.”

The NSW Government is committing more than $70 million over the next two years as part of its contribution to the Agreement.

“This is fantastic news for the community and for everyone who works in the sector as it ensures essential programs in NSW continue to operate,” NSW Minister for Family and Community Services and Social Housing, Brad Hazzard said.

“There is no easy fix for the issues which push women and their children and young people into homelessness, but this funding is a solid commitment to provide a helping hand.”

Services that will receive funding under NPAH include:

  • Staying Home Leaving Violence – a specialised service helping women who have separated from a violent partner remain safely in their homes.
  • Start Safely Subsidy – rental assistance in the private rental market for women and their children escaping violence.
  • Specialist homelessness services that assist women, children and young people at risk of homelessness through a range of responses including early intervention, rapid rehousing and caseworkers for those with complex needs, often brought about by violence and trauma.
  • Targeted services for unaccompanied children aged 12-15 and young people aged 16-24 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

The Commonwealth has now signed project plans with five states and two territories.