Order for the production of documents - the impact of housing and homelessness cuts

The Senate has supported Scott's motion ordering the production of documents outlining the impact of cuts to homelessness and housing organisations, but the Government's response has been wholly unsatisfactory.

Senator Ludlam – Senate Motion – Notice to be given Monday 9th February 2015 

I give notice that on the next day of sitting I shall move that – 

The Senate Notes:

i. Three days before Christmas the Abbott government axed $21m funding over 4 years for all peak advocacy bodies and most research, innovation projects  and policy advice on how to improve housing affordability for all Australians;

ii. These cuts were in addition to the Abbott government’s 2014/15 budget cuts of $589.6 million to housing and homelessness programs, including $44 million for homelessness shelters and housing;

iii. It’s estimated every night 423 homeless people are turned away from frontline service providers

Orders that there be laid on the table, by the Minister representing the Minister for Social Services, no later than 3pm Tuesday 10 February 2015:

i. A statement to the Senate listing the name and nature of services affected by these cuts, including number of employees

ii. Any advice from the Department on the timing, nature and impact of these cuts 

This motion was PASSED by the Senate, but in their response, the Government fails to even acknowledge the problem. Read their response in full.

Scott also raised these issues in Question Time - you can watch the video and read the handard here.