ERADICATING HOMELESSNESS NOT A PRIORITY FOR PREMIER MINNS

Independent Member for Kiama Gareth Ward MP is calling on Premier Chris Minns explain why he has discontinued the Premier’s Priorities including a commitment to eradicate rough sleeping across NSW.

Mr Ward said it was concerning the Premier refused to answer a question in Question Time today regarding continual investment in vital homelessness programs.

“NSW is facing an exponential housing crisis with homelessness now becoming a reality for many people regardless of their employment status,” Mr Ward said.

“It is simply not the time for the Premier to be playing politics with important initiatives like the Housing First Approach, which aims to get people into permanent housing before other issues, such as substance abuse or mental health issues, are addressed.

“If the Premier no longer plans to halve homelessness by 2025 then how much does he plan to reduce it by? Will he be releasing a new strategy to get more people off the streets and into housing?

“Apart from telling councils to stop being NIMBYs and build more skyrises in their backyards, I have yet to see one tangible measure put forward by the Premier or his Government to tackle this serious issue head on.

“I am inviting the Premier to come with me to meet those who, by no fault of their own, are sleeping rough and hear firsthand their stories and what they action they want to see from the NSW Government.”