Safe overnight accommodation in Tasmanian given $17m budget boost

Almost $17 million has been allocated to homelessness services across the State, in an acknowledgment that those sleeping rough need safe accommodation.

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THE state government has committed $16.8 million in the budget to continue the Safe Space program as a 24/7 homelessness service in Burnie, Launceston and Hobart.

The government says it is continuing to invest in the community as we recover from the impacts of COVID-19.

The fund have been allocated in the 2020-21 budget to allow the program to run through to June 2022, with over $6 million of the investment used to continue to deliver general health and mental health support to people experiencing homelessness.

State manager of the Salvation Army Dr Jed Donoghue and City Mission CEO John Stubley at the safe night space in Hobart in Collins Street. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Minister for Housing Roger Jaensch said:

“This commitment will continue to ensure that Tasmanians who are sleeping rough can access a safe overnight refuge, and the supports they need to access other health and housing services, which assists clients to secure and sustain longer-term accommodation that meets their needs.

“This is part of our commitment to invest more into housing and essential services around our State and complements the other initiatives to help Tasmanians.”

Mr Jaensch said other measures include additional capacity for Housing Connect to provide emergency accommodation in hotels, motels and cabins statewide, and increased resources for mental and primary health support services for clients in brokered accommodation.

The funding commitment includes $3.4 million for Hobart Safe Space and more than $6 million to deliver general health and mental health supports to people experiencing homelessness.