$320 million deal of homelessness services
The Australian Government today announced a $320 million agreement with the states and territories which ensures the continued provision of vital homelessness services.
The Federal Government made $159 million available in early March, conditional on the states and territories agreeing to match the Commonwealth’s contribution. At today’s COAG Select Council on Housing and Homelessness, all state and territory housing ministers confirmed their commitment to these vital homelessness services.
Federal Minister for Housing and Homelessness Mark Butler said the agreement ensures that services currently provided under the current National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness continue.
“Service providers now have the certainty they need about next year’s funding enabling them to continue providing critical support to some of the most vulnerable Australians,” Mr Butler said.
Mr Butler said the one-year transitional agreement for 2013-14 is an important first step as the Government continues to work with the states and territories towards an integrated and holistic response to homelessness beyond 2014.
The Commonwealth has also committed additional support for capital projects that help people move out of homelessness into safe and sustainable housing.
“A $76 million development fund will now be available to provide new accommodation arrangements and states and territories will now be invited to bid for a portion of the fund as part of a competitive process.”
Mr Butler said achieving real results in reducing homelessness was only possible through joint responsibility and collaborative action.
“We’ve invested an unprecedented $20 billion in housing and homelessness services since coming to Government and we remain committed to halving the rate of homelessness by 2020 because every Australian deserves a safe and secure home.”
The Communique is available at http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/our-responsibilities/housing-support/programs-services/homelessness/coag-select-council-on-housing-and-homelessness