Homelessness across Ipswich, the Somerset Region and Karana Downs is expected to rise by four per cent next year and 14.1 per cent more local families will experience housing stress, according to a new report commissioned by Everybody’s Home.

Federal Member for Blair, Shayne Neumann said it was important to remember these are not just numbers. Rather they are people in the local community.

The report predicts that when JobKeeper ends in March and JobSeeker goes back to $40 a day, the number of people experiencing homelessness across Australia will rise.

“For month Labor has been calling on the Morrison Government to fund the construction of more social housing,” Mr Neumann said.

“This would be a win-win.  It would help with the economic fallout of COVID-19 and put a roof over the head of vulnerable members of this community who desperately need it.”

“The COVID-19 crisis has made it even clearer the importance of safe and affordable housing.

“The State Labor Government is doing some important work here. But we also need national leadership.”
 
The Morrison Government failed to invest a single extra dollar in social housing in the Budget.

“Scott Morrison should make homelessness a priority for the National Cabinet.”