The Council of Capital City Lord Mayors (CCCLM) has welcomed the release of the Australian Homelessness Monitor 2024, which highlights the complex needs of vulnerable members of our communities who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
A key chapter of the report focuses on the critical role of Local Government, emphasising the challenges faced in delivering support and assistance to people experiencing homelessness while navigating community and business expectations in public spaces.
The Lord Mayor of Darwin and current CCCLM Chair, Kon Vatskalis, commended the sector's tireless efforts to both prevent homelessness and support those in need. However, he highlighted the increasing strain on local resources.
"Local Government, as managers of the public realm, is under growing pressure to respond to this crisis," Lord Mayor Vatskalis said. "This report underscores the significant contributions Local Governments are already making, but also reinforces the urgent need for Federal Government action. We need a strong commitment to affordable and social housing, as well as mechanisms to support those experiencing homelessness."
The CCCLM believes homelessness should be rare, brief, and non-occurring. To achieve this, collaboration across all levels of government is essential, alongside sustained investment in housing and support systems to provide lasting solutions.
The CCCLM is proud to have provided funding for this vital research, ensuring that evidence-based insights continue to inform policies and actions that address homelessness in Australia.
The CCCLM reiterates its call for unified and immediate action to address the homelessness crisis and ensure sustainable, long-term outcomes for all Australians.
About us:
The CCCLM consists of the Lord Mayors of the Cities of Adelaide, Brisbane, Darwin, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, and the Chief Minister of the ACT.
www.lordmayors.org
Contact details:
Media contact - Verity Clough, City of Darwin (Chair)
046 620 7090
verity.clough@darwin.nt.gov.au
