ACT Greens Housing spokesperson, Amanda Bresnan MLA has called on the ACT Government to make more temporary shelter available to people who are homeless over winter.

“I am concerned by reports that the number of people in Canberra who are homeless is on the rise due to the global recession” Ms Bresnan said.

“It looks like there will be an increase in the number of people with nowhere to stay over winter because our refuges are full.”

“While the Commonwealth Government has put millions of dollars on the table to address the needs of homeless people, those homes will not start to become available for some time.”

“The ACT Government needs to come out with a plan now to assist the growing number of people who are homeless to get through this winter.”

“It could consider running a program over winter that is similar to its Christmas program, which frees up emergency accommodation over Christmas to women and children who are victims of domestic violence, and make some Housing ACT properties available in the short term prior to their refurbishment or sale” Ms Bresnan said today.

ACT Greens lead candidate for Ginninderra, Meredith Hunter, has called for a dedicated Legal Service for the homeless of the ACT.

“The current rate of homelessness in the ACT is unacceptable and needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency.” Mrs Hunter said today.

“I want to see ACT Government funding, together with a contribution from some local law firms to set up a free legal service catered to Canberra’s homeless.

“Similar legal services have been established in NSW, Victoria and Queensland and have proven to be effective in addressing legal issues promptly and thereby playing a role in assisting to break the cycle of homelessness.

“Homeless people often face multiple legal issues that can go unaddressed, hindering their prospects of getting back on their feet.

“I agree with Kevin Rudd that this issue is ‘A National shame’, but his colleagues in the ACT Government perhaps don’t realise that this also applies to Canberra and that there are things that must be done on a local level.” Mrs Hunter Said