2017-05-30
“Despite our high standards of living, the ACT is home to the second highest rate of homelessness in Australia,” said Caroline Le Couteur, ACT Greens housing spokesperson.
“With the first frosts of winter upon us, the ACT Greens are concerned to receive reports from a number of homelessness services in the Territory that suggest crisis accommodation levels are unable to meet demand. This includes numerous reports of individuals sleeping in cars, including women and children.
“We know that crisis accommodation services are often sought out by those more vulnerable in our community—including young people, those with disabilities, and those fleeing domestic violence.
“With winter fast approaching, the Greens are calling on the Government to act swiftly, to support our frontline services with prevention, early intervention crisis and longer term programs.”
The ACT Greens are committed to ending homelessness in our city and better funding the homelessness and housing services who support people without somewhere to live.
The Greens were pleased to secure a range of social housing and housing affordability measures in the Labor-Greens Parliamentary Agreement. This includes a commitment to strengthen specialist homelessness and housing support services to make sure vulnerable groups get the support they need.
Interviews with ACT community service providers are available on request.
Statement ends