National support for homelessness agreement

All Australian states and territories have now signed the new National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness (NPAH) ensuring homelessness programmes across Australia will continue for another year.

Minister for Social Services Kevin Andrews said the NPAH provides up to $115 million in Federal funding for homelessness initiatives delivered by the states and territories.

The former Labor Government failed to make provisions for future funding after the previous agreement expired on June 30.

This in addition to the promise Kevin Rudd made in 2010 to halve the number of Australians living without a home, however according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, homeless numbers grew from 90,000 in 2006 to 105,237 in 2013.

“Now that each of the states and territories have agreed to the NPAH, we are able to start working collaboratively to achieve a lasting legacy of helping all Australians gain safe, affordable and appropriate housing,” Mr Andrews said.

“Through this national agreement the Australian Government is delivering on its commitment to provide homeless Australians with real, practical assistance and prevent even more people falling into homelessness.”