HOMELESSNESS — SOUTH WEST
186. Hon JAMES HAYWARD to the Leader of the House
representing Minister for Homelessness:
I refer to homelessness in the
south west region.
(1) Is the
minister concerned about an increase in the number of people experiencing
homelessness in the south west as a result of significant increases to the cost
of living for Western Australian families?
(2) If yes to (1), what immediate short-term support
is available to Western Australian families and community members in the
south west region who suddenly find themselves without a place to live?
(3) Is the minister concerned that some Western Australian
families and community members will be exposed to the elements this
winter without having access to a safe, dry space?
(4) Does the minister have any plans to provide more
transitory short-term shelters for homeless people during this upcoming
winter in recognition that the Housing First initiative is being hamstrung by
the lack of available housing?
Hon SUE
ELLERY replied:
(1)–(4) The
McGowan government is investing more than $2.5 billion in social housing and
homelessness initiatives over the next four years. This includes the record
investment of $875 million as part of the 2021–22 state budget. This is
the single largest one-off investment in social housing in the state's
history and will provide an immediate boost to social housing. Of this
investment, $151 million will go towards services and accommodation to support
people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, which includes support within the south west region. The Housing
First support program in the Bunbury region is operated by Anglicare, Breakaway Aboriginal Corporation and
Doors Wide Open. Progress has been made to deliver place-based responses
to support the Housing First Homelessness Initiative, including a partnership
with Housing Choices to support a number of rough sleepers in the Bunbury area.
If individuals are at risk of or experiencing
homelessness, I encourage them to contact their local housing office for
information about housing support, or Entrypoint Perth, which can provide
details of crisis and transitional accommodation available in the area.