THE HON MATT KEOGH MP
MINISTER FOR VETERANS’ AFFAIRS
MINISTER FOR DEFENCE PERSONNEL
SENATOR MARIELLE SMITH
SENATOR FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA
MEDIA RELEASE
13 February 2025
ALBANESE GOVERNMENT TACKLING VETERAN HOMELESSNESS IN ADELAIDE
AND WALLAROO
The Albanese Government is addressing veteran homelessness in Sturt and Grey, with local
organisation RSL Care SA receiving $2,521,911 through the Veterans’ Acute Housing Program.
Thanks to the funding approved of $703,720 RSL Care SA is set to provide specialist transition
support for veterans aged over 65 experiencing homelessness who require permanent supported
accommodation in the form of residential aged care services in SA.
RSL Care SA have also been approved for funding of $1,818,181 which is set to expand the
Andrew Russell Veteran Living program in Wallaroo, with construction of an additional nine
dwellings to provide crisis accommodation for veterans and families.
RSL Care SA are one of ten ex-service organisations and veteran-aware community housing
providers from around the country who will share in $30 million to support both capital works and
specialist wraparound services through the Program.
$24 million will go towards increasing the supply and ongoing availability of crisis and transitional
housing specifically for veterans and families.
An additional $6 million will help fund delivery of specialist wraparound support services to
veterans and families to address the risk factors of homelessness and get them back on their feet.
Any veteran who is homeless or at risk of homelessness is encouraged to reach out to the
Department of Veterans’ Affairs on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) or Open Arms – Veterans &
Families Counselling on 1800 011 046 to be connected to appropriate supports.
Quotes attributed to Matt Keogh, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs:
“The Albanese Labor Government is delivering on our election commitment to address veteran
homelessness.
With veterans three times more likely to experience homelessness than the general population,
this Program is intended to support veterans experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.
This investment will help to provide veterans and their families with a pathway to access safe and
secure temporary accommodation, as well as increase the capacity of organisations delivering
coordinated support and assist with the transition into long-term housing.”
Quotes attributable to Senator Marielle Smith, Senator for South Australia:
“Our community cares deeply about not only commemorating veterans for their service but also
supporting them when they’re in need.
I’m so proud that this Government is backing great local organisations like RSL Care SA, and their
work to address veteran homelessness in Wallaroo”
We have an obligation to look after those local heroes who put themselves on the line to protect
this nation”
MEDIA CONTACT:
Gil Rickey (Minister Keogh’s Office): 0417 237 425
Carrie Bishop, Office of Senator Marielle Smith: 0423 002 650
DVA Media: [email protected]
