Media Release by The Hon Tanya Pibersek MP

New housing for homeless Tasmanians

Joint Media Release with:

  • The Hon Lin Thorp, Tasmanian Minister for Human Services
  • Mr Sid Sidebottom MP, Member for Braddon

Tanya Plibersek and Tasmanian Minister for Human Services Lin Thorp today visited the site of the Levenbank homeless facility at Ulverstone, which is being revamped to provide 20 one-bedroom units for homeless people and five two-bedroom units for low income earners.

Levenbank is one of five specific purpose facilities being set up for homeless Tasmanians over the next two years through the National Partnership on Homelessness, a joint initiative by the Australian and State and Territory Governments to build new homes for the homeless.

Ms Plibersek said the Australian and Tasmanian Governments are working together to reduce homelessness and improve the quality of services for people who are homeless.

“Together we have committed $32.9 million over five years under the National Partnership on Homelessness. Facilities such as Levenbank will provide high-level support services, including outreach services, to help people break the cycle of homelessness.

“Levenbank will be managed by a not-for-profit organisation which will provide property and tenancy management support. The facilities will also support a range of visiting services and outreach clinics,” Ms Plibersek said.

Ms Thorp said the facilities would be a key part of Tasmania’s plan under the National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness.

“These new facilities will support our goals to reduce homelessness, and aim to provide opportunities for personal development and empowerment for homeless Tasmanians,” Ms Thorp said.

“The Tasmanian and Australian Governments are delivering new and better-integrated support services and accommodation for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

“Construction is expected to start in June 2010 and the development is expected to be completed by the year’s end,” Ms Thorp said.

Federal Labor MP for Braddon, Sid Sidebottom said he was pleased that both the Australian and Tasmanian Governments have made it a priority to tackle homelessness in the North West.

“Homelessness is everyone’s business and I commend both governments for playing a strong role in helping the homeless in North West Tasmania,” Mr Sidebottom said.

The Rudd Government is spending $4.9 billion over four years to address homelessness, with an additional $400 million from the States and Territories.