In a state-first, South Australia will become just the second Vanguard state in the world as the Marshall Liberal Government today reaffirms its commitment to combatting and ending homelessness.
Today, Premier Steven Marshall and Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink formally signed the new state-wide commitment, which will remain in effect until 31 December 2025.
Premier Steven Marshall said the Vanguard state signing cements the Marshall Liberal Government’s commitment to reducing homelessness right across the state.
“Adelaide is already a Vanguard city and we are now trailblazers as the world’s second Vanguard state,” said Premier Marshall.
“This isn’t just a title though – it reaffirms the Marshall Liberal Government’s aim to stop the cycle the cycle of homelessness and better support our most vulnerable South Australians.”
Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink said today’s commitment comes after the Marshall Liberal Government spearheaded long-overdue, nation-first homelessness reforms.
“We unashamedly want better outcomes for our most vulnerable, which is why we delivered bold, Australian-first reforms in the biggest shake-up of the homeless system in more than a decade,” said Minister Lensink.
“Under the reforms, homelessness funding increased and our most vulnerable South Australians finally get the support they need to be housed and stay housing for longer.
“Signing today’s Memorandum of Understanding reaffirms how serious we are about continuing to work with our homelessness partners to drive down homelessness in our state.”
Institute of Global Homelessness Executive Director Lydia Stazen said: “IGH is thrilled that the foundation to address homelessness laid in Adelaide through IGH’s first Vanguard Cities cohort will now expand state-wide.”
“South Australia has the mix of what is needed to substantially reduce homelessness in the years to come, including leaders that champion housing and services. We look forward to continued partnership in South Australia as you continue both as leaders and learners in our second international cohort.”
South Australian Alliance to End Homelessness spokesperson David Pearson said it was fantastic to have international recognition of the shared ambition to end rough sleeping homelessness in SA by making it rare and brief occurrence.
“The experience from the growing number of international communities that have ended homelessness is that it requires everyone who shares this goal to work collaboratively together to solve this problem,” said Mr Pearson.
“There’s no single program, building, policy or pill that will solve homelessness, only by community and all levels of government working together will do that.”
City of Adelaide Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor said this is a major step forward towards ending homelessness.
“The City of Adelaide was extremely proud at becoming Australia’s first Vanguard city and supports the state-wide commitment to address this important social issue,” said the Lord Mayor.
“As a Capital City Council we play a key role in the response to homelessness due to our immediate connection with the community, especially those most vulnerable who often travel from across the state to our central location.
“We have been working closely with State Government Departments and non-government organisations in order to ensure we have a co-ordinated approach to support vulnerable people in our city.
“Our teams have built and maintained critical relationships in the homelessness sector which have led to the development of key initiatives to provide support services and accommodation options for those seeking help.”
