Howard’s homelessness legacy creates new expectations for white paper implementation

Discussing the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare figures released on homelessness today,Executive Officer of Queensland Shelter Adrian Pisarski said effective implementation of the FederalGovernment’s White Paper was now more important than ever in order to combat John Howard’s Homelessness Legacy.

With the number of people experiencing homelessness in Queensland sitting at close to 27 000, a disproportionate number of which are older Queenslanders, Mr Pisarski said that this is the time to ensure Government’s implement funds in a way that capitalises on the rare opportunity we have.“Ultimately we would like t

o see the most services, the best support and maximum outcomes for the money that is being invested,” Mr Pisarski said.

“The frustrations being vented around timeframes by homelessness services and people experiencing homelessness are completely understandable.

“However, my preference is that we take an extra three months and spend this money properly and effectively rather than sticking to deadlines which have proven to be unachievable, and potentially wasting $800 Million,” he said.

Mr Pisarski went on to say that in light of these statistics, which also highlight a reliance on friends and relatives for accommodation support, State and Federal Governments need to refocus their agenda on consumers.

“For the better part of a year, the Global Financial Crisis has claimed the attention of the Federal Government and has potentially distracted from other policy agendas, like homelessness,” Mr Pisarski continued.

“We need to regain that focus, and remember that during a recession many people are struggling to maintain employment. Now is precisely the time to ensure we have services and infrastructure to support consumers that need it,” Mr Pisarski concluded.