$82 million to target homelessness in South Australia

The Australian and South Australian Governments are providing an additional $82.1 million over four years to reduce homelessness in through the National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness.

On Census night in 2006, nearly 8,000 South Australians were homeless. The Australian and South Australian Governments are committed to reducing homelessness.

Federal , Tanya Plibersek and SA Minister for Housing, Jennifer Rankine today outlined new initiatives which will help rough sleepers as well as individuals and families struggling during the global recession to keep a roof over their heads.

The National Partnership Agreement includes initiatives such as:

• three purpose built facilities for young people aged 12-15 at risk of homelessness because of family breakdown;
• ensuring families can remain safely at home by providing more housing for victims of domestic violence, and ten short term houses for domestic violence perpetrators so victims can remain safely in the family home; and
• funding for a Homelessness Legal and Financial Clinic.

Ms Plibersek said the Australian Government has made substantial investments to tackling homelessness totalling more than $7.8 billion.

“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 $82.1 million over four years for additional services and innovative new programs in South Australia.

“The Rudd Government will continue to work closely with the SA Government and the community sector to roll out these initiatives, which have an increased focus on early intervention.

“We want to be able to reach out to people at risk of becoming homeless. If we get in early with intensive support we can help break the cycle of homelessness.”

Ms Rankine said the funding under the National Partnership would enable expansion of current efforts across homeless and mainstream services.

“In South Australia we have a very proud record of reducing the number of people sleeping rough on our streets,” she said.

“This achievement was possible because of the dedication and commitment of everyone involved in the homelessness sector.

“We want to build on this good work, and now through further collaboration with the Federal Government we can continue to reform and improve homelessness and mainstream services for South Australians.

“We are lucky to have the services of Monsignor David Cappo and I’m confident we will continue to lead the nation in our initiatives.”

The Australian and South Australian Governments are also rolling out 248 new social housing dwellings across the state as the first step in the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan, with more to come in Stage 2.

In addition, the supply of affordable housing will be boosted by 50,000 affordable rental properties across the country under the co-funded National Rental Affordability Scheme.

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.