Helping the Homeless
'Not acceptable in good economic times': A homeless man begs for money in Sydney (File photo) (Reuters: Tim Wimborne)
Federal Labor has pledged to spend $150 million to set up 600 new houses and units for homeless people across the country.
Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd has set an aim to halve the number of homeless people turned away from shelters within five years, and close the gap within 10 years.
He says homelessness is unacceptable in good economic times and is calling on the States and Territories to match the investment.
"This is all part of reaching out with a helping hand to Australians in need and it's part and parcel of our Australian set of values," he said.
"Have a bit of heart, have a bit of soul and do the right thing by all those Australians out there who have run into one of life's brick walls.
"We come from the Labor Party and the Labor Party has a heart when it comes to people struggling with homelessness."
It is Labor's second housing announcement in as many days, after Sunday's $500m package for first-time homebuyers.
Mr Rudd says the Coalition has been silent on the issue so far this campaign.
The St Vincent de Paul Society has welcomed the election promise.
Society national chief executive Dr John Falzon says it is a step in the right direction, but should form part of an integrated plan to also address housing affordability and access to training, childcare and transport.
"What we are recommending is that strategies on a national level address both homelessness and affordable housing and be key planks within a national social inclusion plan," he said.
Source abc.net
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