New statistics from the Australian Bureau of Statistics released today show a 16.8 per cent increase in families with children experiencing homelessness.

"These figures are outrageous, given that Australia has consistently experienced economic growth over the 2001-2006 period under examination by the ABS," said Australian Greens Senator Scott Ludlam.

The ‘Counting the Homeless' report, which is done every 5 years, shows an increase of nearly 5000 Australians since 2001 living rough, staying with family and friends or in boarding houses or homeless shelters.

"Funding for homeless services has fallen in real terms, and with the added pressure of the crisis in affordable housing availability and a pinched rental market, families lose their homes," said Senator Ludlam.

"The data also shows that children under the age of 12 accounted for 12 per cent of the 105,000 Australians who were homeless in 2006. While these figures are still unacceptable, it is an overall drop of 20%, which shows that if the Government supports programmes like the ‘Reconnect' program, getting policies right can make a difference."

"Major initiatives around early intervention, supported accommodation and affordable housing are required in order to reduce the size of Australia's homeless population," said Senator Ludlam.

"This report is a wake up call to the Government to expedite their White Paper on homelessness currently being produced, to get serious and act to help the dire situations of those most in need," he concluded.

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