Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Payne for the question because it is a very important issue in our community. We know that there are too many Australians who are homeless. That is why this government made it a priority on coming to government, through the inaugural white paper, which makes it clear that by 2020 we want to halve overall homelessness and provide supported accommodation to all rough sleepers who seek it. That was a very important goal that this government set because we take this issue so seriously. To back that commitment, the Labor government has invested an unprecedented $5 billion into support for homelessness services and programs since 2008.

Senator Abetz interjecting—

Senator, it would have got a lot worse if we had followed you and done nothing. But we do take this issue seriously. You had no housing minister and no policy. We have been working with the states and territories and with business, charities and the community to reduce homelessness in Australia, and we are delivering through the National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness over 180 new or expanded homelessness services.

As we indicated last week, the ABS statistics did release a complex picture. The headline figure showing an increase in the rate of homelessness of eight per cent is disappointing. But a more in-depth analysis reveals some promising signs.

Senator Abetz interjecting—

It is a complex picture, Senator. The report speaks for itself. The rate of people sleeping rough has fallen by 13½ per cent and that is encouraging. The number of people in supported accommodation has risen by 23 per cent.

Senator Conroy interjecting—

Senator Ronaldson interjecting—