Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

The government acknowledges the positive impact the sector provides for vulnerable Australians and its important role in reducing homelessness. But I do need to point out that the previous government terminated NPAH funding beyond 30 June 2014 and did not provide for homelessness funding in the forward estimates. There was no provision for NPAH funding in the Pre-Economic Fiscal Outlook in August 2013, issued by the former Treasurer.

The government obviously is aware, though, that this has created significant uncertainty and difficulties in maintaining staffing levels and continuing the same level of support services. Significant funding decisions will continue to follow the budget process, and these decisions will be announced in May. The government will work to ensure that there is certainty for the sector as soon as is possible.

This is a situation that those of us on this side of the chamber who are now in government have found portfolio area by portfolio area—that is, where the previous government did not make adequate funding provisions and they did not put funding into the forward estimates. Obviously this government have an immense fiscal challenge and we are endeavouring to prioritise. We are endeavouring to frame a budget that can see that the core business of government, the core functions of government, receive the funding resources they deserve. I acknowledge that there is some uncertainty in this sector at the moment, and the government is working hard to resolve that as soon as possible.