Federal Housing Minister Mark Butler issued the following information this afternoon.  Whilst it looks like discussions with the States and Territories has progressed, indeed they’ve now received a draft agreement from the Commonwealth, we have no word whether the commitment by Minister Butler’s predecessor has been fulfilled.  The Housing Minister O’Connor sought to have governments (including the Queensland Government) fund tenancy advice services as part as a requirement of this agreement.  We are currently seeking an update on the situation.

COMMUNIQUE
The Australian Government is committed to the provision of quality services to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

A National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness for 2013-14 is currently under discussion between the federal, state and territory governments. The Australian Government is committed to the continuation of current service levels and would like to reaffirm to the services sector, all stakeholders and clients that the Commonwealth’s level of investment, as well as our commitment to quality and transparency, will continue.

To this end, the Australian Government will provide up to $159 million over the next year towards a transitional agreement to be matched by the states and territories to tackle homelessness. As well as funding for services, this investment includes a competitive Development Fund that will support capital projects to help people move out of homelessness into safe and sustainable housing. States and territories will be invited to bid for a portion of the Development Fund as part of a competitive process, and will be required to match capital funding provided by the Australian Government.

A draft agreement is now with state and territories for consideration, and I look forward to hearing back from them on their funding commitment, which will importantly provide funding surety to service providers in each jurisdictionThis one-year agreement for the 2013–14 financial year is a critical first step for all parties to continue to work towards an integrated and holistic response to homelessness beyond 2014. Under this transitional agreement, funding to specific service providers, including any future tender processes, will remain the responsibility of the state and territory governments.

Mark Butler
Minister for Housing and Homelessness