Media Release by The Hon Tanya Pibersek MP

Over $20 million to target homelessness in the ACT

Joint Media Release with:

  • Jon Stanhope MLA, ACT Chief Minister
  • Annette Ellis MP, Member for Canberra

The Australian and ACT Governments are providing an additional $20.2 million over four years to reduce homelessness in the ACT, through the National Partnership Agreement (NPA) on Homelessness.

Federal Minister for Housing, Tanya Plibersek and ACT Chief Minister, Jon Stanhope said the new initiatives are aimed at assisting people to break the cycle of homelessness and to help them obtain and maintain safe and secure housing.

‘The Rudd Government understands that Australians are doing it tough as we battle the worst global recession in 75 years,’ Ms Plibersek said.

‘The new National Partnership Agreement provides an additional $20.2 million over four years for the ACT.

‘New initiatives will target rough sleepers as well as individuals and families struggling to keep a roof over their heads.’

Mr Stanhope said while the ACT has the equal lowest rate of homelessness nationally, there is still more work to be done by all levels of government.

‘The ACT Government wants to be able to reach out to people at risk of becoming homeless,’ Mr Stanhope said.

‘If we get in early with intensive support we can help break the cycle of homelessness. We look forward to working with the Australian Government to make our contribution to the national goal of halving homelessness by 2020.’

Member for Canberra, Annette Ellis said the Rudd Government’s Homelessness White Paper contains ambitious targets – to halve homelessness and offer accommodation to all rough sleepers who seek it by 2020.

‘The Rudd Government is working hard to reduce homelessness, not only through the NPA but also through additional public and community housing as part of the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan,’ Ms Ellis said.

‘Under the stimulus plan, the Australian and ACT governments are rolling out 56 new social housing dwellings across the ACT at a cost of $11.15 million, with more to come in Stage Two construction.

‘Repairs and maintenance will be provided to a further 243 dwellings at a cost of $6.44 million.’