The former Minister for Housing, the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, welcomed the two new members Ms Marcia Ella-Duncan and Ms Narelle Clay AM.
The Council were briefed by experts from the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and the Australian Bureau of Statistics on issues around:
- reporting requirements and methodologies for monitoring progress;
- the development of a National Homelessness Research Strategy to improve data collections and the evidence base for responding to homelessness; and
- assistance being provided to people experiencing, or at risk of homelessness, through the Australian Government’s Jobs Fund, Employment Innovation Fund and through Job Services Australia.
Council member Christine Edwards gave a presentation on the potential contribution to be made by the philanthropic sector and Philanthropy Australia’s Homelessness Affinity Group in reducing homelessness.
During the meeting, the Council endorsed its forward work plan to July 2010.
Members noted that there will be a White Paper 12 month anniversary document and that this publication would be produced in consultation across all levels of government as well as the sector. The Council commented that there would be many positive stories to share on the difference already being made through the Government’s reform agenda.
The next meeting of the Council is scheduled for December 2009.