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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2004 Week 05 Hansard (Friday, 14 May 2004) . . Page.. 2012 ..

funding for public and community housing. The strategy and the funding that supports it provide us with an unprecedented opportunity to address this complex challenge in a way that is both practical and durable.

The 82 actions defined in the strategy include the provision of additional crisis, medium and longer term accommodation to support single women, families, couples and single men, including those involved in the criminal justice system; increased public and community housing; improved access to service support; support to tenants to maintain their tenancy; increased outreach support services; and funding for research into homelessness. The actions are built around four principal themes: integrated and effective service responses; client focus and client outcomes; access to appropriate housing and housing assistance; and supporting and driving innovation and excellence.

It’s essential that we provide integrated and effective services to the homeless or those at risk of homelessness, focusing on prevention and early intervention. We must ensure the rights of people who are homeless are recognised and respected. In this regard, we will develop a charter of rights and a service provider code of conduct. Services must be squarely client focused and geared to client need. The strategy acknowledges the requirement for enhanced service systems for more complex client groups.

Theme three highlights the importance of access to appropriate housing and housing assistance. It outlines priorities in relation to crisis and longer term supported accommodation. Specific strategies are defined for groups requiring priority attention, as well as to assist people locate and maintain appropriate accommodation. The strategy also underscores the fundamental importance of innovation and excellence. It demands quality services supported by evidence-based decision-making that are able to respond to the changing needs of people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The sector’s workforce must be able to adapt to changing needs and requirements. The plan of action outlined in the strategy sets out responsibilities, targets and appropriate timelines for delivery.

The homelessness committee, comprising government and community representatives, will be established to directly oversee and drive its implementation. The Chief Executive of the Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services is chair. The committee will report to government and the Assembly every six months about the progress.

Breaking the cycle, the strategy, is a blueprint for change; it’s about partnership, integrating the services of government and the community sector; it is about attitudes and expectations, being clear about what we want for our children, our young people and our community.

Before concluding, the severe impact of homelessness on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people must be acknowledged. An Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander reference group assisted the strategy, providing invaluable advice on the specific needs of this community and the shortcomings in current service provision. We will continue to work in partnership with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives to ensure the strategy delivers the right outcomes.

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