The Greens are celebrating a win for the Safe Shelter program over the ACT Government’s inadequate gold plated solutions to homelessness:
“Local churches have come together wanting to provide comfort and shelter to rough sleepers, and the Government must find a way to support them and have the proposal proceed,” Ms Bresnan said.
“Churches and other non-government groups have an important role to play in providing homelessness services, including accommodation. Instead of putting barriers in the way of a proposal like Safe Shelter, Government should be encouraging them.
“The Government had concerns that the church halls needed to have adequate safety infrastructure in case of an emergency. Having visited one of the church halls, it appears the appropriate infrastructure is in place. It is time that the Government met with Safe Shelter to address any outstanding issues and get this service running as soon as possible.
“I moved the motion in the Assembly last night asking MLAs to recognise the wonderful work of the churches behind Safe Shelter, and called on the Government to facilitate the proposal. I am very pleased the motion received tri-partisan support.
“I hope now to see the ACT Government working constructively with the churches to progress the Safe Shelter proposal.