HOMELESSNESS STRATEGY

Dr McFETRIDGE (Morphett) (14:31): My question is again to the Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion. What is the government doing to assist city homeless shelters cope with the increased demand since the closure of the Byron Street Centre, and will funding be made available to help these centres cope with the demand?

The Hon. A. PICCOLO (Light—Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers) (14:31): I can advise the member that, in this year's budget, as has already been announced, the government has committed itself to an additional year of funding for the homelessness strategy, both commonwealth and state. This means an additional $17.2 million will be spent on homelessness through 97 programs to meet the needs of the homeless. In terms of Byron Place, I am actually meeting with a number of organisations next week to discuss their needs and work out how we can assist.