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The Federal Government’s refusal to develop a national homelessness strategy, as recommended by a parliamentary inquiry, has been slammed as ‘deeply disappointing’ by Homelessness Australia.

The Parliamentary Inquiry into Homelessness called on the Federal Government to develop and implement a ten-year national strategy to address Australia’s growing homelessness crisis.

However, in its response released last night, the Morrison Government rejected the recommendation.

Just two of the 35 recommendations from the bipartisan committee were fully supported.

“The Morrison Government’s refusal to develop a homelessness strategy is deeply disappointing, not only for our most vulnerable who desperately need assistance, but also to our homelessness services around the country, who work so hard to help them,” said Homelessness Australia Chair Jenny Smith.

“The Parliamentary Inquiry into Homelessness also called for the Federal Government to commit additional resources for people experiencing homelessness, including funding more accommodation for women and children experiencing family violence, but the Government made no extra commitments, only outlining previous spending.

“An increasing number of Australians are experiencing homelessness because of a shortage
of affordable housing and rapidly rising rents.

“Throughout its response, the Federal Government repeatedly attempts to push the responsibility of housing and homelessness onto the states and territories, but it is clear this national crisis requires a national response.

“The Prime Minister has the financial means to reduce the number of Australians experiencing homelessness by half over the next ten years and change the lives of hundreds of thousands of people.

“Homelessness Australia’s data projections show 25,000 new social housing properties per year, as well as the implementation of the Housing First programs needed to sustain those homes and keep people well, would end 275,000 instances of homelessness, and prevent 175,000 more in the ten years to 2032.

“Further, increasing income support by $35 per day would prevent 35,800 households from
experiencing homelessness over the next 12 months.

“The Federal Government can and must do more to help end homelessness in Australia.”

Media contact: Taylah Hill 0466 657 833