Luke Simpkins (Cowan, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

On Friday I was at the Greenwood Senior High School and was handed a petition by the head boy and head girl of the school, Justin Micale and Ellen Collins. The petition was under the name of the principal, Joanne Harris, and signed by 170 members of the school community, including staff and students. I understand that the petition came about as a result of a study of poverty and the concerns that the students had about the need for permanent housing facilities for young people at risk of homelessness. I also understand that there are very few housing programs for those under 16.

The Greenwood Senior High School petition makes mention of Horizon House in Wanneroo, also known as Bendat House. Jack and Eleanor Bendat donated $100,000 towards the operation of the house, although Jack has committed $2 million in total for the Horizon House concept in Western Australia. The Rotary Club of Matilda Bay has also been involved, as has the St John of God Foundation, which secured a grant from Lotterywest to furnish the home. Providing not only accommodation but also skills training as a Work for the Dole program has resulted in a very big horticultural upgrade to the front section of this immense property.

Returning to the petition, I would like to thank Joanne Harris, the principal of Greenwood Senior High School; Liesl Mahood, the chaplain; and the staff and students for their concern in highlighting this issue. Although the petition cannot be accepted by the parliament in its current format, I seek leave to present it as a referenced document and I will also forward a copy to the minister.

Leave granted.

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