Minister calls on Queenslanders to have their say on Federal Government Green paper on Homelessness

A co-ordinated government and community approach is essential in the bid to address homelessness, Communities Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said today.

Speaking in Parliament today Ms Nelson-Carr formally welcomed the release of the Rudd Federal Government’s ‘Green Paper on Homelessness - Which Way Home? A new approach to homelessness’.

Ms Nelson-Carr said the Bligh Government was working closely with the Rudd Federal Government, non-government organisations and the wider community to address homelessness and the Green Paper was an important step towards ensuring services across the states supported those at risk of and those already sleeping rough.

“This important paper is the first ever Green Paper on Homelessness, and seeks to promote public discussion about homelessness, look at options for reform of our service system and suggest ways forward,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

“New strategies on wrap-around support policies, access and linkage to support and early intervention initiatives are some of the most significant matters being addressed in the Green Paper.”

Ms Nelson-Carr said public consultations on the Paper were taking place in Townsville on June 4 and Brisbane on June 10

“I encourage stakeholders and interested members of the public to attend and provide input into this important process.

“A White Paper will then set out the federal government’s response to the Green Paper, which is due to be released in September 2008, with the aim of providing a national plan of action for the years leading up to 2020.”

Mr Nelson-Carr said the Queensland Government would also submit a robust and comprehensive submission to the Green Paper.

“Only in partnership with our Federal colleagues can we move forward to address the serious problem of homelessness in our community.”

More information on the Green Paper is available on the Federal Government’s Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs website - www.fahcsia.gov.au


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