Saturday 15 March 2014

ABBOTT MUST COMMIT TO HOMELESSNESS FUNDING FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Media Release

12 March 2014

Tony Abbott had the chance today to provide certainty about the future of homelessness funding in Western Australia but has failed to deliver.
Despite the high degree of uncertainty about the National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness taking its toll on the sector already, the Abbott Government refuses to provide a guarantee.
Shadow Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Senator Jan McLucas said budget night would be too late for many of the thousands of workers delivering services to homeless Australians.
"We're hearing reports of people leaving their positions in Western Australia now because of the uncertainty about the future of homelessness funding," Senator McLucas said.
"Tony Abbott can put this to bed now and make a commitment that would assure the 3,400 workers, 180 programs and 80,000 Australians who depend on support about their future."
"Tony Abbott wants Western Australians to give him their vote at this by-election, but he won't tell them if them if the funding they were promised to tackle homelessness will be delivered."

"He can rule out changes to his gold plated Paid Parental Leave, so why can't he give people working with vulnerable Australians some certainty that come July 1, they have a job?"
Senator McLucas said it appears the Abbott Government is not even in negotiations with the states and territories about the future of the homelessness services under the agreement.
"Having no agreement beyond June is one thing, but not even having started a conversation with the states and the homelessness sector about the agreement sends a bleak message."
"Coalition state governments have now joined Federal Labor in calling on the Abbott Government to guarantee this funding. The Prime Minister can't keep running away from this."
"The Abbott Government must rectify this as the future of housing and homelessness reform in our country is at risk."
"I strongly urge Tony Abbott and Kevin Andrews to announce the continuation of the National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness today."

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