Zak Kirkup’s Liberal Team will deliver 100 safe and secure interim accommodation beds within six months of being elected to urgently address Fremantle’s homelessness crisis.
“How is it possible that Labor is banking billions in extra revenue, but at the same time the state is facing a homelessness crisis and a ‘tent city’ of rough sleepers in the middle of Fremantle?” Mr Kirkup said.
“This crisis is staring the government in the face; it’s no coincidence these people are sleeping in a park opposite the office of Labor’s Community Services Minister.
“If Labor keep failing the state on homelessness, the crisis will only get worse once the COVID pause on rent increases and evictions ends in March.”
Mr Kirkup said 100 beds would be set aside to specifically address homelessness in Fremantle as part of the Liberals’ $57.5 million plan to refit hostels and backpackers as interim accommodation.
“I know that homeless people are exposed to serious health and safety risks, such as the fires that recently swept through East Perth’s ‘tent city’ just before Christmas,” he said.
“We also know that businesses in Fremantle need urgent action. Unlike Labor we have a plan to stop this crisis in its tracks.”
Shadow Minister for Housing Tony Krsticevic said the Liberals were determined to help people break the cycle of homelessness and would act quickly if they won government.
“It is heartbreaking to see so many people sleeping on our streets and the problem only continuing to spiral out of control with a new ‘tent city’ springing up in Fremantle,” Mr Krsticevic said.
“Our policy will see swift action taken to address the homelessness crisis by providing safe accommodation in repurposed hostels and backpackers for 500 homeless West Australians within six months.
“We want to provide hope to the homeless and give them the opportunity for a brighter, better and safer future.” “This policy will also assist the hostels and backpackers struggling financially due to the significantly reduced number of travellers, including international backpackers, arriving in WA during COVID.”