Katherine leaders in the fields of medicine, local government and social services have called for 'immediate action' from the Territory government on homelessness.
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The 19 organisations united in calling on all candidates for government to declare their support short-term stay accommodation in Katherine.
Today the Katherine Times asked all three candidates running for the seat of Katherine in the August election to share their thoughts on the issue.
Melanie Usher for Territory Alliance:
"We are absolutely in support of what they had to say in their statement specifically for Katherine and short-term shortages.
"I don't think anyone should accept this situation, it's unacceptable and must be addressed as soon as feasibly possible.
"In principle we support what they're asking for, they have provided a compelling case.
"I'm aware of this issue and I know the impacts go beyond housing.
"This lack of housing across the board causes issues for health, business and the whole community.
"The strategic significance of Katherine as a hub for health appointments and all of those reasons we also accept.
"Territory Alliance are currently working on a plan for housing, I can't unfortunately say when exactly that will be presented.
"But in my opinion Katherine specifically must be addressed in that, and I'll be fighting and arguing to ensure that it is."
Kate Ganley for Labor
"Under Terry Mills and the CLP we had no action regarding accommodation and housing in Katherine. Under Labor, we have received 19 new homes in 4 years. But we need more. And we need visitor accommodation.
"The Labor government has done a great job addressing accommodation shortfalls across the Territory, but unfortunately we've inherited decades of poor financial management and inaction.
"Labor is continuing to provide support to people who are sleeping rough or at risk of becoming homeless.
"Labor is committed to continued funding for homelessness services including the successful Katherine Doorways hub, providing an innovative and pro-active approach to tackling anti-social behaviour.
"Consultation is underway to provide additional short-term visitor accommodation services to Katherine.
"There's no one solution which will solve the massive shortfall of options in Katheirne but a visitor's centre, as well as hostel expansion are things which would help.
'The Labor party continues to support brokered solutions as well, with service providers on the ground in Katherine purchasing private accommodation for people who are sleeping rough.
"I promise, if I am elected, I will work with stakeholders, and all levels of government to develop and deliver more short term accommodation options in Katherine."
Jo Hersey for the Country Liberal Party
"We're happy to work with stakeholders in this area and if that's the best proposal then we support it.
"I've met with Bill Headley and the team at Kalano and we spoke about this issue.
"As I've been door-knocking for my campaign, I noticed various public housing units left unoccupied.
"I think the Gunner Labor government haven't renovated these places due to a lack of funding and that's unacceptable.
"Not being in government you never know the full financial situation you'll inherit should you gain power.
"If the funding is available, and that is the best proposal for this issue within Katherine, then we would support that."
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