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Homelessness a crime in coal rich Hunter
Tuesday 29 June 2010
Greens MP and Hunter spokesperson Lee Rhiannon today called for increased intervention and prevention measures to tackle homelessness in the Hunter, following reports that the number of people who are homeless in the region seeking help from the Salvation Army has increased by 100 percent, one of the biggest rises in NSW.
"The Salvation Army Major Colin Haggar was right to highlight the
disturbing contrast between Hunter's burgeoning coal wealth and the
number of homeless people in the region," Ms Rhiannon said.
"The mining profits gleaned from the Hunter's coal reserves have not
been shared across the local community.
"Many in the Hunter have missed out on the economic wealth created by
the boom in coal mining and are struggling to find housing and jobs.
"Former Prime Minister Rudd made homelessness a priority but
intervention and prevention measures are still desperately needed, with
resources allocated going no where near meeting real demand.
"Deep divisions between the haves and the have nots are particularly
pronounced in winter, when people who are homeless are required to sleep rough," Ms Rhiannon said.
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