Aspire Program

In reply to the Hon. S.L. GAME ().15 May 2024).

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries): The Minister Human Services has advised:

Since the 2022 election, the government has committed $9.3 million to the Aspire Program including $2.1 million arising from an election commitment, $1.7 million in the 2023-24 state budget and more than $5.5 million in the 2024-25 state budget.

This is part of broader support to homelessness services where the government has increased funding by more than $30 million since the 2022 election for both higher indexation and to support specific programs.

Importantly, increased funding to homelessness services is complemented by our government's additional investment of hundreds of millions of dollars into public, community and affordable housing that will help people avoid homelessness in coming years and have stable pathways out of homelessness if required.

All of these investments contribute to avoiding higher long-term costs in other system like health and to build a more prosperous and resilient community.