The Victorian Government has announced an extension of emergency hotel accommodation within the state in a move homeless advocacy group Housing All Australians describes as "encouraging".

Under the $150 million From Homelessness to a Home package announced on Tuesday, the government will prolong current hotel accommodation for more than 2000 homeless Victorians until at least April next year, while also arranging to lease 1,100 properties from the private rental market in order to provide a permanent home for those leaving emergency accommodation.

At a glance: 

• The Victorian Government has announced a $150 million From Homelessness to a Home package, which extends emergency hotel accommodation for more than 2000 people within the state until April 2021.
• The state government has also committed to arranging to lease 1,100 properties from the private rental market in order to provide a permanent home for those leaving emergency accommodation.
• Homeless advocacy group Housing All Australians said while the program was encouraging, more needed to be done to address the problem of homelessness on a societal level.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said the investment was an opportunity "to break the cycle of homelessness".

“This pandemic has laid bare many inequalities – you can’t stay home if you don’t have one and you can’t wash your hands regularly if you don’t have access to the bare basics of hot water and soap," he said.

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Housing All Australians Founder Robert Pradolin. Source: Housing All Australians

Housing All Australians founder Robert Pradolin is well aware of the difference short-term accommodation can make to those facing homelessness, having previously partnered with serviced apartment operator Quest to repurpose vacant buildings so they may be able to house people in need.

He told WILLIAMS MEDIA that while the announcement of the package was positive, the overall issue required more attention.

"It's definitely encouraging to see governments think this way, but there will need to be a more concrete solution that creates longer-term housing supply," he said.

"There is a shortfall of 500,000 social and affordable homes across the country, so while this package is good, much more is needed to address the issue at a societal level.

"It is, however, great to see governments showing bipartisanship during a crisis."

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