A WA parliamentary question addresses homelessness and overcrowding in Kununurra, specifically questioning the Minister for Housing about the vacant Gallarung Workers Hostel and potential solutions. The answer deflects responsibility, stating homelessness is under the Minister for Child Protection and the hostel is managed by a Commonwealth entity.

AnsweredQoN 1271Legislative Council
Asked
17 June 2014
Portfolio
Housing

QuestionView source ↗

Regarding the high rate of homelessness, overcrowding and associated social problems in Kununurra, as identified in the East Kimberley Homelessness project report 2014 , I ask: (a) is the Minister aware of the report: (i) if no to (a), why not; and (ii) if yes to (a), what steps is the Minister taking to address the many concerns that are outlined in the report; (b) is the Minister aware that the 40-bed Gallarung Workers Hostel in Kununurra lies vacant despite the high rate of homelessness in the town: (i) if no to (b), why not; and (ii) if yes to (b), why is this so, and what is being done to better utilise the facility; (c) who is responsible for running the Gallarung Hostel, and to whom do they report; (d) are there any plans to close the Gallarung Hostel: (i) if yes to (d), why and when is this scheduled to take place; and (e) does the Minister have any plans to utilise the Gallarung Hostel in some way in order to alleviate the homelessness and overcrowding in Kununurra: (i) if yes to (e), will the Minister please table his plans?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
19 August 2014
Responded by
Minister for Agriculture and Food representing the Minister for Housing
Response time
63 days
The Department of Housing advises:
(a)
Homelessness falls within the portfolio of the Minister for Child Protection.
(b)-(e) Aboriginal Hostels Limited is responsible for the Kununurra Hostel. Aboriginal Hostels Limited is a Commonwealth Government entity. The Department of Housing has no involvement in the hostel.

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