HOMELESS INQUIRY FINE, BUT GOVERNMENT MUST COMMIT BIG MONEY TO FIX THE PROBLEM


Thursday May 22, 2008

Family First Media release

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd must commit big money to fixing Australia's homeless problem, rather than just talk about it.

"Australia has a massive problem with 100,000 people homeless every night," Family First leader Steve Fielding said today.

"Announcing an inquiry into the homelessness problem is fine, but Family First is disappointed that the Prime Minister did not commit substantial funds to fix homelessness in last week's budget. The government committed to build just 600 homes for homeless people and families over the next five years. It is a drop in the bucket."

The Prime Minister today released a draft policy paper on homelessness with hearings beginning next week.

"Family First wants the Federal Government to commit to get homeless people off the streets, out of parks and off borrowed couches and into their own accommodation," Senator Fielding said.

"It is appalling to think that we have such a high standard of living in Australia, yet we still walk past people sleeping in the street every day and think that's normal. Homeless people have become invisible and we must change that and put into place serious dollars to solve this problem.

"It's a national disgrace that we have 100,000 people that are homeless but it will be a national tragedy if the Rudd Government does not commit significant dollars to fix the mess.

"We are now faced with a huge damage bill because we have neglected to address the causes of homelessness over the past decades.

"Overseas studies show that it is cheaper on the public purse to make a big investment to fix homelessness rather than allow it to perpetuate.

"There is a real opportunity with a new government to strike out in a new direction and really make a difference to the lives of people who are doing it tough and are struggling at the margins of our community."

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Website Source: www.stevefielding.com.au