FIRST NATIONS
HOMELESSNESS PROJECT
259. Hon SOPHIA MOERMOND to the parliamentary secretary
representing the Minister for Community Services:
I refer the minister to the First
Nations Homelessness Project that is facing an uncertain future as the federal
government ceases funding this month. Will the program be funded by the state
government from the date the federal government ceases funding?
Hon
SAMANTHA ROWE replied:
I thank the member for some notice
of the question and provide the following answer on behalf of the Minister for
Community Services.
The First Nations Homelessness
Project has been funded by the commonwealth government for four years, with funding currently ceasing on 30 June 2021. The
services provided by the First Nations Homelessness Project are similar
to the Department of Communities' existing Thrive tenancy support
program. The Department of Communities' $58 million budget for tenancy
support services over five years has been fully allocated through a transparent and competitive tender process, in
line with appropriate government procurement practices. The First Nations
Homelessness Project did not submit a tender proposal.
The Thrive tenancy support program
supports public housing clients to connect with existing services, and takes a collaborative
and preventive approach that aims to identify issues early and engage with
clients before complex problems develop or a crisis occurs. Thrive services are
provided through Outcare, Mission Australia Housing, Wanslea, Nirrumbuk
Environmental Health and Services, and the Ngaanyatjarra Council.