The Government will get a better understanding of homelessness in the veteran community through a research project announced today 4th November 2016.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Dan Tehan said the University of New South Wales and the University of Adelaide had been engaged to conduct research into homelessness in the veteran community.
The Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI) was commissioned by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) to run a competitive tender process for the research. The process included consultation with representatives from key Australian and state government agencies, ex-service organisations and homelessness service providers. The research will be completed by the end of 2017.
“This important research will focus on developing estimates of the number of veterans accessing homeless services, the factors that cause homelessness and the experiences of homeless veterans,” Mr Tehan said.
“The aim is to collect data about homelessness in the veteran community so the Government can better integrate support services available to homeless veterans with those offered by mainstream specialist homelessness service providers.
“The study complements work undertaken since 2015 by DVA and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare to include veteran identifiers in the data collected about homelessness in the Australian community.
“Veteran homelessness is a challenge that requires a coordinated national approach to ensure the provision of appropriate assistance to all former members of the Australian Defence Force.
“Where DVA becomes aware of a veteran who has become homeless or is at risk of homelessness, it takes steps to ensure they have access to available services and support.”
Homelessness services provided by state, territory and local governments, as well as many community sector organisations, are listed on DVA’s website
(http://www.dva.gov.au/health-and-wellbeing/home-and-care/homelessness-dva-and-ex-service-organisation-support).
Media enquiries:
Minister Tehan’s Office: Byron Vale, 0428 262 894
Department of Veterans’ Affairs Media: 02 6289 6203
Editorial Comment. ADSO expects the Study to consider the work commissioned by the ESORT members and the RSL Qld commissioned study and comprehensive report by Bill O’Chee “A place to call home”, with its 20 recommendations.
Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS) can be reached 24 hours a day across Australia for crisis support and free and confidential counselling. Phone 1800 011 046 (international: +61 8 8241 45 46). VVCS is a service founded by Vietnam veterans.