Minister for Social Inclusion Tanya Plibersek helped launch the partnership, and said it would deliver funding for family-specific homelessness projects, invest in affordable housing, and seek to increase awareness about homelessness among Westpac’s employees and stakeholders.

“While many might not be aware of the full extent of homelessness in this country, the fact is tens of thousands of families seek help from homeless services every year,” said Ms Plibersek. “The new partnership between Mission Australia and Westpac will make a real difference to families who are homeless.”

Minister for Social Housing and Homelessness Mark Arbib said the Federal Government was committed to reducing homelessness and had made a considerable investment in affordable housing.

“The Government has dedicated $20 billion into affordable housing and homelessness across the nation – the largest investment by any Australian government toward this issue in history,” Senator Arbib said. “Homelessness is the responsibility of everyone in the community – including governments, businesses, community organisations and the wider public. I commend Westpac and Mission Australia for working together to further highlight this important issue.”