In a statement accompanying the Green Paper, the Rudd Government branded the current level of homelessness “unacceptable”. “After 17 years of strong economic growth it is unacceptable that 100,000 Australians are homeless on any given night, including 10,000 children,” the statement said.

The paper focuses on improving current services, as well as putting more emphasis on prevention and early intervention.

The launch of the paper has been accompanied by an invitation for public feedback. The public consultation process will include public forums and a request for written submissions.

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Consultation sessions will be held in 12 locations across Australia. These sessions will start in Perth on Wednesday, 28 May. Consultations will also be held in Karratha, Townsville, Darwin/Palmerston, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Lismore, Hobart and Adelaide.

Feedback on the Green Paper will be used to inform the White Paper, which will include a comprehensive national action plan to reduce homelessness in the lead up to 2020.

The Green Paper and information about the consultation process are available at www.fahcsia.gov.au or by calling 1800 774 055.