Homelessness in Tas

Deputy Premier Lara Giddings has released a report on homelessness in Tasmania by renowned US expert, Rosanne Haggerty, as well as the results of a pre-feasibility study into the conversion of Hobart’s Highfield House into a common ground facility.

Ms Giddings said Ms Haggerty’s recommendations in the report Ending Homelessness in Tasmania would provide a solid basis for the Government’s plan for halving primary homelessness by 2010.

“During her visit to Tasmania earlier this year, Ms Haggerty toured emergency housing facilities and met with people who work every day to help homeless Tasmanians,” Ms Giddings said.

“Her report commends the excellent work already occurring in the government and community sectors to reduce homelessness in Tasmania. 

“She also draws attention to Tasmania’s successful incorporation of services for the homeless into individual neighbourhoods, and describes existing facilities and service providers as being respectful, caring and professional.

“Most importantly, the report gives us an opportunity to learn from Ms Haggerty’s leading edge work elsewhere, as she provides recommendations based on the unique context and opportunities that exist in Tasmania.

“We will adapt her ideas to develop our own uniquely Tasmanian solutions which deliver practical results in the Tasmanian community.

“Our homelessness plan will be a whole-of-government and whole-of-community plan, developed in close consultation with the community sector.”

Ms Giddings said in March this year the Government announced a benchmark figure for homelessness in Tasmania would be established by 30 June and committed to halving the number of people ‘sleeping rough’ in Tasmania by June 2010.