2016-04-28
Greater investment in early intervention programs will reduce the risk of young people becoming homeless in the first place, Greens WA Housing spokesperson Lynn MacLaren MLC says.
“The report released today by Swinburne University reinforces what the Greens and the community sector have been saying all along – we need early intervention programs and better family violence services,” Ms MacLaren said.
“While responsibility for addressing homelessness is shared by both Federal and State Governments, the Barnett Government is guilty of making short terms savings that will cost us all in the long run.
“This report very clearly spells out the long term implications for our community of Government cuts to community services in 2015 – greater pressure on health and justice systems and more anguish for these young people and their families.
“Cuts to services that provide essential support to people experiencing homelessness reveal just how hollow the Barnett Government commitments to early intervention have been.”
“During last year’s budget estimates hearings, I argued strongly for domestic violence services, including refuges and law centres, to be quarantined from the Government’s funding cuts to community services.
Australian Greens co-deputy leader and Housing spokesperson Senator Scott Ludlam said today’s report further highlighted the need for real funding reform in this space.
“The Greens have released a comprehensive plan to address the homelessness crisis,” Senator Ludlam said.
“We're a wealthy nation, and we should not be leaving anyone behind, especially young people. Homelessness should have no place in Australia."
http://greens.org.au/homelessness