The Homelessness Minster John Carey’s latest solution to solving the homelessness crisis in Western Australia is lacking in substance and detail and with no timelines for completion.
“The Minister couldn’t even put a date on when he hopes to deliver the 100 extra homes referred to in today’s announcement,” said Shadow Housing Minster Steve Martin MLC.
“We don’t have a date for when these houses will be available and on the Government’s track record it could take some time.
“Seriously, why has the McGowan government been waiting for six years to buy some housing – which is exactly what the sector has been urging them to do.
“Minister Carey also needs to guarantee that wrap around support services will be available for any housed homeless people because a high level of support will be vital for the success of this project.
“Minister Carey also had the cheek to suggest that “work has also progressed on the East Perth Common Ground project”. A key plank of the Government’s homelessness strategy.
“Nothing could be further from the truth. The Government has been talking about the importance of Common Ground for years and recently failed to accept a tender to commence the project.
“Advertising a new tender process is hardly acting with the urgency this vital issue demands,” said Mr Martin.
Western Australia’s social housing waitlist remains high with very long delays, the private rental market is tight, and rents are rising.
An extra 100 homes will make a very small dent in the massive housing shortages in WA.
