The state government has announced a 10-year homeless strategy, with $72 million to fund the construction of two facilities in Perth to house people experiencing chronic homelessness.
The state government has announced a 10-year homelessness strategy, with $72 million to fund the construction of two facilities in Perth that will combine low-cost accommodation and support services for people on low incomes or at risk of homelessness.
It follows yesterday's announcement of a $150 million housing boost for first homebuyers and low income earners, bringing the state government's total housing investment package to $222 million.
Construction of the two ‘Common Ground’ facilities will receive $35 million in funding over three years and will comprise apartments, communal areas and office spaces for homeless people or for those with low incomes.
A location for the first facility will be decided by the Department of Communities and City of Perth.
A total of $34.5 million has also been set aside over five years for a housing first homelessness initiative, including rental subsidies, to extend the housing first initiative to new locations across the state, including Perth, Rockingham and Mandurah.
Premier Mark McGowan said safe and stable accommodation was fundamental to the health and wellbeing of Western Australians.
“People can find themselves experiencing homelessness for a wide range of reasons, including family and domestic violence, catastrophic life events such as job loss, mental health issues, alcohol and other drug use and financial stress,” he said.
“State and federal government agencies, the community services sector, local government authorities and the wider community all have a part to play.”
Community Services Minister Simone McGurk said the strategy was built on the best evidence available, with the model first adopted in New York more than 20 years ago and since adopted in Australian states and territories.
“This model has already proven effective in ending chronic homelessness for people who have in the past struggled to access and maintain housing,” she said.
However, shadow community services minister Tony Krsticevic said the McGowan government had slashed funding for public housing in its first three years of government and was now playing catch up.
“WA is faced with a homelessness crisis now, so we need action now – not an ad hoc announcement to be delivered some way into the very distant future,” he said.
“One part of their plan is the creation of two common ground facilities, but in three years of government Labor has no idea where they will go, when construction will start and when it will be completed.
“This do-nothing approach is like all the other major projects, Metronet (not a single kilometre of rail has been laid – nor a single train built), Medihotels (construction has not started) or the expansion of Joondalup Health Campus (construction yet to begin).”
ShelterWA chief executive Michelle Mackenzie welcomed the announcement but said further ongoing, sustained investment in homelessness services would ensure the success of the strategy.
“Services are under enormous pressure to meet current demand, and there is an urgent need to invest not only in new initiatives such as those announced today but in homelessness services at a level that enables them to meet demand,” she said.
“Increased investment in social and affordable housing is needed across WA so people have a place to call home.”
