Step forward with continued commitment to ending homelessness

National Shelter media release — 28 March 2013

National Shelter has welcomed the Australian Government, state and territories’ commitment to ending homelessness and their long-term investment in affordable rental housing.

Today the federal government announced Round 5 of the National Rental Affordability Scheme to be delivered in 2015–16.

Additionally, the states and territories matched the federal government’s pledge for the National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness with a total of $320 million for one year.

Chair of National Shelter, Adrian Pisarski, said that the federal, state and territories’ commitments ensured the continuation of crucial homelessness services and access to affordable housing for low-income earners.

‘The continuation of the National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness is a significant step forward in ending homelessness.

‘The transitional period must be used to develop a long-term strategic approach to ending homelessness and improving the alignment between housing and homelessness services.

‘The one-year transitional agreement for 2013–14 will ensure services will be able to continue and we look forward to further detail from the Commonwealth, states and territories’ plans.’

For more information:

• Adrian Pisarski, Chairperson: 0417 975 270
• Kim Zoe Evans, Communications Officer: 0404 429 203