To celebrate national homelessness week, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has decided here government would do its bit by cleaning up Sydney’s Martin Place Tent City, evicting the homeless and forcing them back onto the streets. The Premier offered no alternative which allowed ”sleeping space” for the inner cities down and out. What does Gladys think they should do? Move into her leafy suburb of Northbridge.

Dear Paul,

I certainly don't have the answers for you.
However, there must be better solutions to
the problem. Extra funding for people like
Father Chris Riley who began his work for
youth in Sydney. He, as you know founded and
developed "Youth Off the Streets," (YOTS).
In 1991 he went to work in Kings Cross to
begin working full-time on the streets
with chronically homeless young people.YOTS
grew out of this and has adopted innovative
approaches to the abused and traumatised girls
and boys with whom it deals through street-
based programs and drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

Perhaps he would be a good person that politicians
could get advice from as to how to deal with the
problems involved in homelessness. Because the
steps you're talking about sound very draconian
and severe.

I think some are just trouble makers, based on this, short of being a cockroach or vermin infested dwelling why don't they take it.

http://au.news.yahoo.com/nsw/a/36599368/homeless-people-in-sydney-tent-city-turn-down-offers-of-homes/#page1

Homeless people living in Sydney's 'tent city' have reportedly turned down offers of permanent housing.

As the NSW state government and Sydney City Council continue their war of words over who is to blame, those living amongst the homeless pop-up are refusing offers of warm homes.

One couple was reportedly offered permanent housing in a unit on Pittwater Rd for the heavily discounted rate of $120 per week, far less than the $530 it usually goes for.

The deal, which included a bed, television and other furniture was knocked back on July 17.

Further homeless squatters also snubbed homes in Kingsford and Stanmore, opting to stay in their makeshift community that is causing all sorts of headaches for police and politicians alike.

Paul1405 - Quote "evicting the homeless and forcing them back onto the streets." Technically they are on the streets now.

Quote "offered no alternative which allowed ”sleeping space” for the inner cities down and out."
Devils advocate, opening up spaces in the city could potentially open the flood gates to thousands wanting more for less or nothing.

I do believe something has to be done as renting is way to expensive in most areas where you can also get employment and public transport.

The percentage of salary going to rent is very high in most cities of Australia.

I don't have the answers but agree something needs to be done and it is the Governments fault.

Hi Foxy, I am glad you mention Fr Chris Riley's 'Youth Off the Streets' org. Doing a fantastic job.
At the moment we have 50 to 60 people a night sleeping in and around Central Railway Station. Why anyone would "choose" to sleep in an alcove or doorway at Central? Now that is cold at night when its wet and windy, at least its relatively safe. Then we have those living in the "bush" in Belmore Park opposite. A feed and a hot cuppa in the morning in Price Alfred Park. What I hate most of all is when a new young person arrives, you can tell, they are clean and have a new sleeping bag, They will tell you its only temporary, until I find my feet. Some make it out, some don't. The society we live in will always have people falling through the cracks.

Hi Phil, "Homeless people living in Sydney's 'tent city' have reportedly turned down offers of permanent housing." Yes, for many it has become their way of life. Meet Dave and Mary, Dave is incoherent, incapable of any rational thought what so ever. Put Dave into accommodation and he will be back on the streets before you know it, they will either throw him out, or he'll leave voluntarily. Mary is happy in her own little world, which consists of a supermarket trolley and several large candy bags. Just don't try and sleep in her "house"! You could offer them the Taj Mahal and they would knock it back.

Whats the fortnightly newstart allowance $600 ?
I'm betting concession bus or train fare to either Melb or Syd costs about $60.
Im also betting they could find accomodation in many rural places at at price within their means.
So with that in mind, I question whether they are actually homeless or economic migrants.

Were living in an age where you blame everybody else for your problems.
Why would they leave and pay rent, when they live in the heart of the city for free paying the victim card for all its worth?
How much does one earn a day from begging and handouts?
Probably more than they earn on Centrelink.

This is the same as boat people.
If you give in and give them a home more will come and take their place, and dont forget their life choices put them where they are.
Why should taxpayers foot the bill for accommodation when they are already paying $600 a f/n and the homeless are too stubborn or stupid to take responsibility for their lives.
If they can't find a way on that, then more cash won't help them.
If they dont want to move on they can get food and accommodation in the watchouse while waiting to explain to the magistrate why they didn't want to move on after being offered housing.