The Greens NSW have responded to the NSW Government's Foundations for Change – Homelessness in NSW discussion paper.
The submission from The Greens recognises that action is required at all levels of government to guarantee access to adequate, affordable and appropriate housing to all members for our community and to ensure that appropriate support services are available to address the systemic and personal issues that often result in homelessness.
In 2014-15, 48,262 people sought help from specialist homelessness services in NSW, while 18,758 requests for assistance went unmet.
As the housing affordability crisis continues, and specialist services for mental health, addiction and women escaping domestic violence continue to be cut, homelessness will be a growing problem across our state.
The Greens believe that we need increased investment in public and not-for-profit community housing; better protections for tenants in the private rental market; policies to ensure the provision of an adequate supply of affordable housing; and appropriate public funding of the support services that help prevent homelessness and assist people exiting homelessness.
This submission and been prepared by the office of Jenny Leong MP, NSW Greens spokesperson for Housing and Homelessness, and the Greens NSW Housing Working Group. Additional input has come from the offices of NSW Greens spokesperson for Young People,
Multiculturalism, Women, and Animal Welfare, Dr Mehreen Faruqi MLC, and NSW Greens spokesperson for Justice, David Shoebridge MLC.
