Hutt St Centre CEO Ian Cox to lead new State Government office tackling homelessness

Veteran Hutt St Centre boss Ian Cox has been chosen to run a new government office tackling homelessness.

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Veteran Hutt St Centre boss Ian Cox has been chosen to run a new government office tackling homelessness.

At the top of his agenda is giving people who have been homeless more say in developing policies and improving access to data held by government and welfare organisations.

Mr Cox will leave the Hutt St Centre after more than 25 years to begin a three-year role on October 21 as Head of Homelessness Sector Integration.

Ian Cox will move to a new role, Head of Homelessness Sector Integration. Picture: Tait Schmaal

The 53-year-old will oversee the creation of a new office of the same name and deliver reforms to be outlined in a State Government housing and homelessness strategy due for release later this year.

Mr Cox said it was clear that government agencies and service providers could work together better, including sharing information with each other and the public.

“Every organisation collects data but … how can we get that data out more quickly so people can see what are the trends happening?” he told The Advertiser.

Mr Cox also wants to create a panel of people who have been homeless to share their experiences with policymakers.

“They know how the system works and where it needs to improve and they’ll give you that honest advice,” he said.

Human Services Minister Michelle Lensink said Mr Cox would help “transform the current service model” in SA, including focusing on affordable housing, emergency accommodation and rough sleepers. “We cannot continue with business as usual,” she said.