,,, AUSTRALI
FOR MEDIA 3 NOVEMBER 198
JOINT STATEMENT WITH THE MINISTER FOR HOUSING AND AGED CARE,
THE HON PETER STAPLES
The Federal Government will increase support for homeless
people by an extra $ 40 million over the next three years,
the Prime Minister, Mr Hawke and Housing Minister, Mr
Staples, jointly announced today.
The increased funds will be offered to the States over three
years as part of a new Commonwealth-State program to assist
the homeless.
" My Government is committed to tackling the major social
justice issues in this country and housing the homeless,
giving people the means and opportunity to get out of crises
and get on their feet, is central to that," Mr Hawke said.
" Assistance to the homeless was identified as a priority
area in the Government's Social Justice Strategy announced
earlier this year, and through the decisions announced today
the Government is addressing that priority."
The new package will replace current arrangements with the
States under the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program
( SAAP), which expire on 30 June 1989.
Mr Hawke said the commitment would bring total Federal
Government support under the revised program to about
$ 220 million over the three years to 1992.
" This new initiative will build on the experiences of SAAP
over the last four years and will provide a more coherent
and effective approach to the problems of homelessness," Mr
Hawke said.
" SAAP was reviewed extensively this year and we've adopted
many of the recommendations generated by this process which
involved wide consultation with the States and welfare
groups." 3230(
2
As well as increased funds, the Commonwealth proposal to the
States will include:
a five year program of assistance;
shared funding and administrative responsibilities
between States and the Commonwealth;
prominent roles for community representatives in
identifying regional needs and priorities for new and
expanded services; and
a streamlined system for assessing and approving new
services under the program.
" The new program will also emphasise a wider range of
assistance to those in need by providing better access to
training, employment assistance and other government
services," Mr Hawke said.
Housing Minister, Mr Staples, who will administer the
Program, stressed that no existing services would be
disadvantaged by the new arrangements.
" The new program will be more flexible, more efficient and
more effective in meeting the needs of homeless people," Mr
Staples said. " The existing support networks and
co-operation between services will continue."
Mr Staples said that he would be advising State welfare
Ministers and community representatives on details of the
new program. Legislation is expected in Parliament in the
Autumn session next year.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Lancia Jordana ( 062) 77 7220 .3231