Media Release by The Hon Tanya Pibersek MP

Government announces funding for National Shelter

The Australian Government today announced that National Shelter would receive $200,000 in funding over the next two years.

Speaking at the opening of the NSW Shelter Conference, Housing Minister Tanya Plibersek said now was an important time for the sector as the Rudd Government continues with its comprehensive reform agenda for homelessness and social housing services.

“It’s important that people who are homeless, private tenants and residents of social housing will continue to have their voices heard through the advocacy provided by National Shelter and other peak bodies,” Ms Plibersek said.

“This funding will allow National Shelter to bring together their state organisations and other members such as State and Territory Tenants Unions to be part of the implementation of the Government’s reform agenda.”

The Government also provides funding to Homelessness Australia and the Community Housing Federation of Australia.

“The Australian Government is investing $6.4 billion to build 20,000 new social dwellings as part of the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan,” Ms Plibersek said.

“This funding is being allocated through State and Territory Governments along with a significant program of reform run through COAG.

“These reforms will provide more choice and greater social and economic opportunity for tenants; more housing providers and increased supply and greater accountability in social housing provision.

“The Australian Government is committed to the reform process, starting with the growth of a small number of larger not-for-profit housing associations to operate alongside state government housing departments.

“For example, state and territory housing ministers have agreed to establish single waiting lists for social housing and new quality standards for social housing and homelessness.

“It is very important that the Government hears from tenants in both social and private housing and that their rights and expectations are understood and included in implementation of the reforms.”