New committee to provide strategic advice on homelessness

Published on 16 June 2022

Four representatives from the Launceston community will be sought to sit on the City of Launceston's newly created Homelessness Advisory Committee, following the Council's decision to formalise the group this week.

The revamped Homelessness Advisory Committee will replace the Council's former Homelessness Response Committee which has operated for the past two years with participation from homelessness support groups and service providers.

This week's vote follows the Council's May 5 decision to explore the establishment of a formal committee to provide advice on homelessness in Northern Tasmania.

The revamped committee will include two Councillors, up to four members of the public, and representatives from Launceston City Mission, St Vincent de Paul, Anglicare Tasmania, Tasmania Police, the Salvation Army, Shekinah House and the State Government's Department of Communities.

The committee will also allow for representation from neighbouring councils in order to support a regional approach to addressing homelessness

Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said homelessness was a complex social challenge which had many causes.

"It is important to note from the outset that the City of Launceston cannot solve homelessness," Mayor van Zetten said.

"Homelessness is a multidimensional challenge and many of the levers that can be used to combat it — such as the provision of public housing and mental health services — are outside the control of local government.

"However, it's clear that local government can play a proactive and positive role in collaboration with other stakeholders and that is what we are seeking to do through the new Homelessness Advisory Committee.

"The new committee is being established in order to provide strategic, evidence-based advice to the Council, using expertise from relevant agencies in order to deliver positive outcomes in this challenging area."

The City of Launceston expects to formally advertise for interested community members to take part in the Homelessness Advisory Committee in coming weeks.