Homelessness Australia Media Release

Homelessness Australia has strongly endorsed the Federal Government’s decision to plug a $73 million funding shortfall for homelessness services.

Funding for the Equal Remuneration Order (ERO) supplementation for homelessness services to cover the wages of the workforce was due to expire in July 2024.

Homelessness Australia CEO Kate Colvin congratulated the Government for listening to front-line homelessness workers.

“This decision, communicated in the Housing and Homelessness Ministerial Council meeting communique released today, will give certainty to hundreds of homelessness workers who are on the front lines of the housing crisis,” she said.

“The Federal Government has listened to a broad coalition of leading homelessness advocates and unions which fought for this funding to be locked in.

“It’s clear from this decision the government recognises the depth of the housing crisis and committed to working with homelessness services to tackle it.

“The reality on the ground is heartbreaking. Every day, families and children are left without a roof over their heads, sleeping in cars or worse.

“Workers in this sector face enough challenges without worrying about their job security.

“The Federal Government’s move will be a huge relief for not only the workers affected but the people who they help every single day.”