Homelessness

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (14:37): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Minister for Human Services.

Leave granted.

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN: On 11 June 2018, The Advertiser reported that the national homeless and housing agreement, set to begin on 1 July this year, is yet to be signed by the state and federal governments. The agreement is reported to be worth $104 million next financial year and $433 million over the forward estimates. My questions are:

1. Is the minister confident that a new agreement will be signed with the federal government?

2. What negotiating instructions have been provided to state officials to secure a new agreement?

3. What contingency measures is the minister considering or planning to put in place if no new agreement is signed?

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (Minister for Human Services) (14:38): The answer to the first question is yes, it has been signed. The answer to question two is, that's a really strange question; its best endeavours. We want to get the agreement in place and that has been successful, and my department is undertaking contacting all the homelessness providers to let them know the good news that the funding is on its way.