Fed: Government must do more for homeless youth, Plibersek says

AAP General News (Australia)
04-18-2007
Fed: Government must do more for homeless youth, Plibersek says

A homeless youth organisation says more than 11 thousand children and young people
will sleep in parks and under bridges tonight .. or on a friend's couch.

National Youth Week ends on Sunday .. and welfare agencies and politicians are highlighting
the plight of the 46 thousand Australians under 25 who are homeless.

The Youth Accommodation Association says there's no sign the govermnent takes the problem
seriously.

And Labor's housing and youth spokesowman .. TANYA PLIBERSEK .. says nearly half of
those who approach community hostels for emergency accommodation are turned away.

She says that's unacceptable in a wealthy country like Australia.

Ms PLIPERSEK's called on the commonwealth and state governments to fund more emergency
housing services .. and long-term affordable rental accommodation.

AAP RTV vpm/wjf/rt/bart

KEYWORD: YOUTH HOMELESS (SYDNEY)

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