To coincide with Homelessness Week, a parliamentary committee is commencing an inquiry into homelessness in Victoria.
Leader of The Nationals and Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh said the inquiry will investigate the many social, economic and policy factors that impact on homelessness.
Mr Walsh said the inquiry will also seek to identify policies and practices from all levels of government that have a bearing on delivering services.
“The issue of homelessness is front of mind for the community at the moment thanks to the outstanding efforts of Haven and A Good Kitchen who worked hard in Homelessness Week to raise awareness of homelessness, rough sleeping, and the working poor in the Swan Hill area,” Mr Walsh said.
“It was confronting to learn that A Good Kitchen has been open in Swan Hill for 10 months and has served over 1,000 meals, and in the past twelve months Haven have housed 11 homeless people and have supported many other vulnerable people who were sleeping rough with nowhere to go.
“I congratulate those teams for the great work they do and I strongly encourage the community and the service providers who are struggling to meet the demand to have their say to the parliamentary inquiry.
“It is important that the committee hears a wide range of views through public hearings and submissions, to gain an in-depth understanding of how best to address homelessness and its associated problems.”
Mr Walsh said an essential focus of the inquiry will be the opportunity for the committee to conduct face to face consultations with people who are living the experience of homelessness.
“In my discussions at the Good Kitchen dinner last week it became patently clear that it is the homeless who know best what would help change their situation, or better still, prevent it from happening.”
Mr Walsh said the location of public hearings has not yet been announced but the committee’s website will be calling for online submissions in the coming weeks.
“To ensure adequate opportunity for people to participate, written contributions can be made until January 2020.”
For further information visit: https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/lsic-lc/inquiries/inquiry/976