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Parliamentary inquiry into new homelessness legislation

The House of Representatives Family Committee will investigate the principles and service standards for new homelessness legislation. Committee Chair Annette Ellis said this inquiry will be an excellent opportunity for people and interested organisations to comment on what should be included in new homelessness legislation.

“The Supported Accommodation Assistance Act 1994 sets out principles that have guided government responses to homelessness since 1995,” Ms Ellis said.

“The 2008 white paper on homelessness by the current government, The Road Home, noted, however, that the legislation should be strengthened. The Committee will consult widely in order to advise government of the principles and service standards that should be included in such new legislation.”

The Committee will specifically examine:

1. the principles that should underpin the provision of services to Australians who are homeless or at risk of homelessness;
2. the scope of any legislation with respect to related government initiatives in the areas of social inclusion and rights;
3. the role of legislation in improving the quality of services for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness;
4. the effectiveness of existing legislation and regulations governing homelessness services in Australia and overseas; and
5. the applicability of existing legislative and regulatory models used in other community service systems, such as disability services, aged care and child care, to the homelessness sector.

The Committee encourages all interested parties to participate in the inquiry. Submissions should be forwardedto the Committee by 14 August. The Committee anticipates reporting by December 2009.

More information

Visit: Family, Community, Housing and Youth Committee – Inquiry into homelessness legislation

Read: Public hearing programs

Read: Relevant submissions on Inquiry website

Comments to: liaison.reps@aph.gov.au
Last reviewed 19 June, 2009 by the House Liaison and Projects Office
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