Ivana Bacik (Independent)

They have been very helpful to several of us in working on the Bill. It is important there is a more comprehensive definition of homelessness. I say this, as did Senator Doherty, in the spirit of supporting and broadly welcoming the Bill, as I have previously said. A Bill dealing with housing in such a comprehensive manner is welcome. However, there is an omission and it would be a missed opportunity if we did not provide a better definition of homelessness.

In July of this year during a debate on housing, the Minister of State discussed the Government's new homeless strategy and its key objectives which are the elimination of long-term occupation of emergency homeless facilities, the elimination of the need to sleep rough by 2010 and to prevent the occurrence of homelessness as far as possible. These are very important aspirations, the attainment of which could be assisted by a proper definition of homelessness.

I note the assessment of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in 2005 of slightly more than 3,000 people experiencing homelessness. This is regarded by those in the voluntary sector who provide homeless services as an underestimate of the number of people who should be termed homeless. These organisations are of the view that the 2002 figures, which are in excess of 5,000 persons, may be a more accurate representation of homelessness.

To conduct the necessary assessments, to further the homeless strategy and to provide a statutory basis for homeless action plans, it is important to have a statutory definition of homelessness that is comprehensive and on which everyone agrees. I urge the Minister of State to consider these comments and adopt such a definition.