Charities Community Organisations Governance Associations

Support for services to reduce homelessness

Emily Hollosy February 25, 2010

2 min read

Homelessness National Quality Framework discussion paper

The Department of Families, Housing, Community Services & Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) is inviting consultation on its Homelessness National Quality Framework discussion paper.

The Commonwealth, states and territories are working together to progress the development of a national quality framework to achieve better outcomes for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness by improving the quality and integration of services they receive.

FaHCSIA is inviting any individual or organisation with an interest in homelessness to participate in this consultation by attending one of the workshops.

ACOSS call for further amendments to reduce homelessness

The Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) has called on all parties to affirm their support for the Federal Government’s targets and strategy to reduce homelessness.

“Given the economic downturn, and an expected rise in homelessness, it is vital that our attention remains on assisting the most vulnerable in our community,” said Clare Martin, CEO of ACOSS.

“Homelessness services are reporting a huge demand for crisis accommodation and it is vital there is a long-term commitment to prevent and respond to homelessness by supporting specialist services.

“Substantial investment in affordable housing and a strong social housing system are key to achieving the 2020 homelessness targets.”

ACOSS has expressed strong support for the government’s stimulus spending of $6 billion on social housing to build 19,200 dwellings, as a first step to reducing the drastic shortfall in affordable dwellings.

ACOSS has called for a future growth fund for housing, with a down-payment of $750 million in the coming federal budget and sustained long-term ongoing funding.

It has also called for a 30 per cent increase in the maximum rate of Commonwealth Rent Assistance to alleviate the stress on private renters and help prevent homelessness.

Visit the ACOSS website for more information on their services and advocacy work.