The Federal Government and the Victorian Government are providing $154.8 million over four years to reduce homelessness in Victoria, while the Australian and ACT Governments are providing an additional $20.2 million over four years to reduce homelessness in the ACT, as part of the National Partnership Agreement (NPA) on Homelessness.
On top of this considerable spending, an additional $54.94 million is being provided for the A Place to Call Home initiative.
The spending is sparked by the ambitious targets contained in the Rudd Government’s Homelessness White Paper, of halving homelessness and offering accommodation to all rough sleepers who seek it by 2020.
Renowned for innovative approaches to combating homelessness, the Victorian Government is working with several homelessness services to instigate a range of initiatives.
“If we get in early with intensive support we can help break the cycle of homelessness. We look forward to working with the Australian Government to make our contribution to the national goal of halving homelessness by 2020,” said ACT Chief Minister Jon Stanhope.
“There needs to be significant change and additional resources if we are to meet our national targets as outlined in the White Paper on Homelessness,” Minister for Housing, Tanya Plibersek said.
“Through the National Partnership Agreement, we are working to make significant progress to provide additional support for people who are, or are at risk of becoming homeless and improve delivery of mainstream services.”