The Minister for Employment Participation, Brendan O’Connor, said the Government’s new employment services will help job seekers address significant barriers to employment including homelessness.

Taking part in a panel discussion as part of the annual Melbourne Citymission Homelessness Breakfast, Mr O’Connor said employment was a crucial pathway out of homelessness.

“The Rudd Government has identified homelessness as a key priority to address,” Mr O’Connor said.

“Each year 40,000 18 to 35 year olds become homeless and unemployed. Most are early school leavers, who without help, will struggle to hold down permanent housing.

“We also know that many people living on the streets are often dealing with physical and mental health issues that require a high level of personal support.

“Linking homeless Australians with education, training or work opportunities is a major factor in overcoming the cycle of disadvantage experienced on a daily basis by people who face life on the streets or moving from one temporary accommodation to another.”

Mr O’Connor said the Government’s new employment services would focus on providing assistance to disadvantaged job seekers and help them address barriers to employment.

He said the further work will be undertaken on social outcomes for homeless job seekers as part of the Rudd Government’s Homelessness White Paper due to be released in September.

The Government has also committed $880 million for an extra 238,000 training places for job seekers under the Productivity Places program.

“To reduce homelessness we need to increase the economic opportunities for homeless people or those at risk of becoming homeless, to gain financial independence as well as participate in their community.

“Getting a job is a significant step towards securing permanent housing.”

The Government last week released the Exposure Draft of a Request for Tender for Employment Services to come into effect in July 2009.

7 August 2008