Released 29/01/2021
The ACT Government is committed to providing secure, long-term accommodation to Canberrans who need it most. To meet the complex needs of people within the community, the government has made a commitment in the Parliamentary Agreement to invest $18 million over four years to expand the capacity of specialist homelessness services.
Quotes attributable to Andrew Barr, Chief Minister and Treasurer
“Through the 2020-21 Budget, the ACT Government is committing approximately $2.6 million over the next two to four years to:
- Expand the Early Morning Centre to a seven day per week service with an additional $300,000 over two years.
- Increase emergency support and accommodation funding to OneLink by $450,000 over two years, to continue to provide further tenancy and client support services.
- Provide additional funding of $700,000 over four years to ACT Shelter to provide systemic advocacy in the housing sector. This restores ACT Shelter funding that was cut by Federal Government.
- Continue funding Mackillop House and Winter Lodge services that were established in response to COVID-19, and expand the successful Axial Housing service, with $1.2 million over two years.
“The ACT Government is a national leader in providing social and public housing to people most in need. The government is committed to improvements in addressing the needs of people experiencing homelessness and continued investment in housing, through the ACT Housing Strategy initiatives and commitments in the Parliamentary and Governing Agreement for the 10th Legislative Assembly.”
Quotes attributable to Yvette Berry, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Housing and Suburban Development:
“During 2020, the government was able to work with the sector to develop new programs to respond to the challenges and impacts of COVID-19 and the Black Summer bushfires, and it is great to see this funding security for the sector to continue for programs like Mackillop House and Winter Lodge.
“These commitments also build on the ACT Governments significant investment in housing and homelessness services over the last term, including $152 million for growing and renewing public housing and expanding the target to build 400 new homes and renew another 1000 by 2026.”
Quotes attributable to Rebecca Vassarotti, Minister for Homelessness and Housing Services:
“Everyone needs a home. Secure housing that meets people’s needs is fundamental to their wellbeing, and the wellbeing of our community as a whole.
“As we’ve seen through the fires, the pandemic and the economic crises of the past year, unemployment, financial pressure and homelessness can strike suddenly.
“The ACT’s homelessness and housing services help to ensure all Canberrans, no matter what difficulties they’re facing, can be safe, healthy and feel a part of this community.
“The services receiving extra funding in this Budget support people at all ages and life stages, with fundamentals like food, showers, healthcare and clothing as well as social connection and ultimately, safe and appropriate housing.
“I’m proud we’ve been able to start fulfilling so many commitments of the Parliamentary and Governing Agreement with this first budget of the term, supporting all the people who provide these services to continue their incredible and challenging work.”
- Statement ends -
Andrew Barr, MLA | Yvette Berry, MLA | Rebecca Vassarotti, MLA | Media Releases