David Pocock (ACT, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Housing, Senator Farrell. The Productivity Commission's latest report on government services showed that over a third of people seeking homelessness accommodation in the last financial year couldn't find any. One in three people looking for somewhere to sleep can't find somewhere to sleep. Does the government acknowledge the growing demand on homelessness services, and do you have any plans to increase their funding?

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

I thank Senator Pocock for that excellent question, and I appreciate very much that he has a deep interest and a deep concern about the issue of homelessness in this country. Can I say the government generally shares your concern, but in particular the minister who has responsibility for this, Minister Collins, is very focused on dealing with this issue. They are all extremely serious issues. Regrettably, at the last census, there were over 116,000 people experiencing homelessness in this country. Of course that is an issue that we must address. It is unacceptable that so many Australians are now forced to couch surf, sleep rough or live in temporary or overcrowded housing arrangements.

I understand, Senator Pocock, that you have had discussions with our minister on a regular basis and that you have the opportunity to raise these issues and try and deal with these issues that require negotiation between the states and the territories. Unlike the previous government, Senator Pocock, we are taking the issue of homelessness seriously, and we have started the process of delivering on all of the things that the previous government failed— (Time expired)

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Pocock, first supplementary?

David Pocock (ACT, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, Minister. I appreciate your concern for the homeless, but I'll take that as no new funding.

I understand that the government has written to state and territory governments offering to extend the National Housing and Homelessness Agreement by 12 months while the new national housing plan is developed. Can the minister please confirm if this offer included a 12-month extension of the payment for the equal remuneration order?

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

I thank Senator Pocock for his question. I would have to say in response to that question that I don't think it's fair to say that the government has no new funding in this area. If I can explain some things that—

David Pocock (ACT, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

President, I'm sorry to call a point of order. I'm interested in whether the 12-month extension for the equal remuneration order has been offered.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yes, Senator Pocock, and in the first part of your question you also talked about no new funding. Minister Farrell.

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

Thank you, Senator Pocock, for that clarification. There are ongoing negotiations, and I don't think at this stage it's fair to draw any conclusions about how those negotiations might end.

Unlike the former government, we are serious about addressing the issue of homelessness in this country. We are engaged in a serious set of negotiation, and I think— (Time expired)

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Pocock, second supplementary?

David Pocock (ACT, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I understand that the equal remuneration order hasn't been offered, which is $65 million worth of funding, and Homelessness Australia, whose CEO, Kate Colvin, is in the gallery, has said that without that money some 650 frontline workers will lose their jobs. Given one in three homeless people can't find accommodation, how do we justify that?

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

I don't think I can be any clearer in response to that question and the earlier question. This government is serious about addressing the issue of homelessness in a way that the previous government wasn't even interested in talking about. There are discussions—

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Minister Farrell, please resume your seat. Senator Ruston, your constant interjections are disrespectful and disorderly. I ask you to remain silent for the remainder of his answer. Minister.

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

Thank you, President, for that protection from this unruly rabble on the other side.

Government senators interjecting—

Yes, that's right! Senator Pocock, this is a serious issue. This government is serious about addressing the issue of homelessness. There are discussions underway. I'm not going to pre-empt those discussions at the moment, but rest assured that this government is going to take action— (Time expired)