COMMUNITY Life will receive $300,0000 funding over three years to run its Batemans Bay homelessness facilities if NSW Labor wins tomorrow’s election.
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Bega Labor candidate Leanne Atkinson and shadow housing minister Sophie Cotsis visited Hope Place, the charity’s emergency shelter for women and families, yesterday.
They said Labor would provide $100,000 annually for three years, shared between Hope Place; Hope Cottage (short-term men’s accommodation) and Hope House (medium-term men’s accommodation).
Ms Cotsis challenged Bega MP and NSW Treasurer Andrew Constance to match the commitment.
The service was rejected for state government funding last year. The board will not sign another lease for Hope Place after July unless funding is secured.
Ms Atkinson said homelessness should not be a political football.
“Everybody should take responsibility for those who are most vulnerable,” she said.
“It goes to the heart of what Sophie and I are about and it’s so pleasing to make a difference.
“I echo Sophie’s request that the Treasurer match our commitment.
“I don’t want to make this ‘he said, she said’ - I really want this to be a joint initiative.”
Volunteers on Thursday were jubilant.
Former chairman and now public officer Colin Walters said it was wonderful.
“If Labor is elected, that gives us the surety of continuing to operate (for) hree years,” he said.
“It gives us time to work with government, NGOs and local government (on) how we can continue to provide this service.”
Mr Constance, speaking to the Bay Post/Moruya Examiner after the announcement, could not match the funds.
He said, however, he would meet charity representatives tomorrow.
“I cannot inappropriately reverse a tender process that was run with the expertise of family and community services, who have the capacity and the ability to assess what is required around the specifics of a homelessness services in the Eurobodalla,” he said.
Mr Constance said more than $1.4 million was being spent on homelessness services in the Eurobodalla through South East Women and Children’s Services, Campbell Page and Anglicare.
“There are other funding avenues available, (Community Life) has just got to get their applications in,” he said.
He said Labor’s announcement was a “last ditch attempt to buy votes”.
“People are right to be cynical,” he said.
“The Labor Party has had months to make this announcement, why are they doing it days before the election?”
