The announcement of the $115 million extension of funding for the National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness for another year was both welcome and a relief for the individuals, politicians and organisations that have campaigned tirelessly to have this funding confirmed in time to save programs, services and jobs. It is a credit to all involved to see the unification that was achieved when such an important social issue was at threat and needed to be promoted in the political arena. The continuation of funding will see services maintained until June 2015, however to ensure that services are able to continue to operate and retain staff beyond this date it is vital that the government undertakes its review of services and announces its intentions prior to the end of this year. The continued operation of these services will enable organisations to provide support to the over 105,000 vulnerable people that remain homeless in Australia on any given night (Australian Bureau of Statistics 2013).
Please follow the links below to view the media statement by the Hon Kevin Andrews MP, and the ABC News announcement.