THE federal government has listened to the call of frontline homelessness workers across the country, committing to covering the $73 million funding shortfall in the sector.
With the Funding for the Equal Remuneration Order (ERO) supplementation for homelessness services to cover the wages of the workforce due to expire in July, threatening 700 critical support jobs.
Homelessness advocates and unions sent a joint letter to ministers outlining the consequences of not meeting this gap.
“This decision, communicated in the Housing and Homelessness Ministerial Council meeting communique released today, will give certainty to hundreds of homelessness workers who are on the front lines of the housing crisis,” said Kate Colvin, CEO at Homelessness Australia.
“The Federal Government has listened to a broad coalition of leading homelessness advocates and unions which fought for this funding to be locked in. It’s clear from this decision the government recognises the depth of the housing crisis and committed to working with homelessness services to tackle it.”
Homelessness Australia has also identified the need for an additional $450 million to address the surging demand for homelessness support service, with data analysis from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare finding services have to deny 295 people daily due to inadequate resources.
“The reality on the ground is heartbreaking. Every day, families and children are left without a roof over their heads, sleeping in cars or worse,” added Colvin.
“Workers in this sector face enough challenges without worrying about their job security. The Federal Government’s move will be a huge relief for not only the workers affected but the people who they help every single day.”
Earlier this week, the latest data analysis out of Western Australia found a 25% boost in funding is urgently needed, as people currently being assisted by specialist homelessness services in the state has increased by 27.5% since the 2017-18 financial year.
