In the Media - AMA says homeless strategy can't work

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This news report from the Canberra Times discusses the views of the Australian Medical Association (AMA) that the ''no exits into homelessness'' strategy is ill-conceived and impossible to carry out.

From the article: 

Under the National Partnership on Homelessness, state and territory governments would implement a policy of no exits into homelessness from statutory, custodial care and hospital, mental health and drug and alcohol services.

Australian Medical Association national president Rosanna Capolingua said doctors would discharge patients even if they had no place to go or risk banking up an already stretched system.

''It's wonderful to make a statement that we'll not discharge anyone into homelessness, but you have to put the reality behind that ... Where are they going to go? So the equation is not complete,'' Dr Capolingua said.

The Road Home has promised $1.2billion over four years $800million for new homelessness services and $400 million over two years to provide greater investment in social housing.

Dr Capolingua said a doctor's primary concern were patients who arrived with acute needs.

''We know we need 3750 more beds across Australia in the public hospital system ... but if you can't discharge them into homelessness and we can't leave them in the hospitals, where do they go?

''If they stay in the hospital they back up the beds and increase the problem we have existing.

''If we discharge them they have nowhere to go.'' She said the policy would harm an already ailing public health system

Read the full article via the Canberra Times online

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written by Kay, October 04, 2009
No one ever mentions the true cause of homelessness and most other problems that face Australia (and the world); overpopulation!
When will this huge issue be seriously dealt with?
Every issue on this planet stems from overpopulation. Population and homelessness/poverty are inextricably linked; the cause needs to be addressed not the symptoms.
Building more homes is not a viable solution, it’s making things worse!
It’s also extremely irresponsible of the government to throw money at people to have more children!
This country (or any country) doesn’t need a larger population!
Of course victims of homelessness, poverty, etc needs to be helped, but the bigger issue of overpopulation should be looked at now to stop everything getting worse, which it inevitably will.
If you need a metaphor for you to get it, then imagine living in a house and more and more people come to live in it. Where are they all going to fit in to live comfortably?
For once the AMA has got it right
written by brianadr, February 08, 2009
In the past there has been system capacity to handle the discharges such as psych hospitals and boarding houses. These are no longer effective options as it is public policy to reduce the number and capacity of these modes of housing. These has no alternatives suggested, based on the white paper male housing issues will not be attended as the majority of these persons are males.

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