Penny Wright (SA, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

I, and also on behalf of Senator Ludlam, move:

That the Senate—

  (a)   notes that:

     (i)   the week 6 August to 12 August 2012 was national Homeless Persons' Week, and

     (ii)   on any given night in Australia, approximately 105 000 people are experiencing homelessness;

  (b)   recognises that:

     (i)   mental illness is both a cause and consequence of homelessness, and

     (ii)   the Australian Council of Social Service's Community Sector Survey 2012 recently highlighted that the availability of secure and affordable housing, and care and treatment for mental illness, are the greatest areas of need for people experiencing poverty and disadvantage in Australia; and

  (c)   calls on the Government to consider and respond to underfunding, funding uncertainty and unmet need in the homelessness and mental health sectors.