The Hodgman Liberal Government is committed to helping Tasmanians who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness.
Today, I was pleased to announce that the Australian Government has signed off on Tasmania’s Project Plan for the National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness for 2015-17.
This means that federal funding of $2.8 million a year for the next two years will now be delivered for frontline homelessness services in Tasmania.
People from all walks of life can unexpectedly become at-risk of homelessness, including women and children who are escaping family violence, young people aged below 18 years, and people with complex needs.
The implementation of our Project Plan will help our most vulnerable Tasmanians.
The State Government is matching the Commonwealth’s investment.
The joint funding arrangement will particularly provide certainty for the ongoing operation of our supported accommodation facilities.
Tasmania has five supported accommodated facilities, with a sixth, Trinity Hill in Hobart, due to open its doors later this year.
These facilities not only provide accommodation, they also provide the support services that make a real difference in the lives of clients.
Launceston’s Thyne House and Trinity Hill, for example, are youth facilities that specialise in connecting young people with training and employment opportunities to help break the cycle of homelessness.
When complete in October, Trinity Hill will provide 46 independent and supported living units for young people who would otherwise be homeless, with 16 of the units designed specifically for young people living with disability.
Anglicare Tasmania and Mission Australia will manage the facility and provide support services, and there is accommodation on site for two live-in managers, providing another level of security and comfort for residents.
The Government has committed to building a third such youth facility in Devonport to serve the North-West.
Funding under the Project Plan will also support the continuing success of Housing Connect, our one-stop shop for Tasmanians in need of housing.
We are committed to working through Housing Connect to delivering the best outcomes for all clients in emergency accommodation assistance, secure and affordable housing and case management support.
The Government will soon release our Affordable Housing Strategy 2015-2025, which will address the full range of Tasmanians’ housing needs into the future.