Homelessness Australia has recognised Julie Collins’ ability to secure long term funding for the nation’s homelessness effort as an important achievement in her time in the housing portfolio.
The nation’s peak body for homelessness support services has also welcomed Clare O’Neil to the portfolio under a reshuffle announced by the Prime Minister today.
“After years of uncertainty, Minister Collins made temporary funding for homelessness services permanent under the new five-year federal and state housing and homelessness agreement, which provides a more certain and sustainable funding source for people and organisations grappling with the homelessness challenge,” said Kate Colvin, CEO of Homelessness Australia.
“Finally clearing up the uncertainty related to funding wages for people working for homelessness service providers has put us on a more secure footing to tackle the significant challenge of homelessness.
“Minister Collins also re-established federal and state cooperation through the Ministerial Council on Housing and Homelessness, and led a series of new social housing funding commitments, including the establishment of the Housing Australia Future Fund.
“We recognise Julie Collins’ important work and the fact that she has always been guided by the human dimensions of the homelessness challenge.
“Homelessness Australia looks forward to working with Minister Clare O’Neil, to keep making progress towards an end to homelessness.”
“As a nation we are at a crossroads with the homelessness crisis deepening, inflamed by the worst housing crisis in living memory.
“The forthcoming 10-year National Housing and Homelessness Plan is an opportunity to map the reforms needed to enable every Australian to gain and sustain a home.”
Contact: Nick Lucchinelli 0422 229 032