Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Lambie for her question. As I indicated in my previous answer to Senator Pocock on the issue of housing and homelessness, the government obviously recognises that this is a significant issue. The former government, in almost 10 years, did nothing in this space, and so, of course, we have to make up for 10 years of neglect. We're doing that, Senator Lambie, and, as we speak, there are discussions underway in respect of the fund that you just mentioned. I'm sure, if you would like, I can organise for you to have some discussions with the minister responsible in this area about these issues to get some update on the latest state of play with these issues. But I give you this assurance, Senator Lambie: this government understands that there are problems here, understands that there have been years and years of neglect and understands that we now have the obligation of dealing with this issue, correcting the problems of the past and making sure that we deal with this issue into the future.