More than 116,000 people were estimated to be homeless in Australia on Census night in 2016. Of these, 393 were in Mallee. This includes people living in severely crowded dwellings, people living in temporary accommodation, and rough sleepers.Member for Mallee Anne Webster said that homelessness was a very real issue across Mallee.“It was estimated in the 2016 census that there were 393 homeless people in Mallee. Sadly, on anecdotal evidence, this number has increased.” Dr Webster said.“The Australian Government is concerned about homelessness, and making sure we as a government do everything we can to minimise the number of people who are sleeping rough or in overcrowded dwellings.”“There are many very good organisations across Mallee who provide care and intervention in this space, and I thank them all for the work they do.”To examine this issue, the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs has launched an inquiry into homelessness in Australia. Dr Webster is pleased to be a member of this Committee.Chair of the Committee, Mr Andrew Wallace MP, said the inquiry would seek to understand the factors that contribute to people becoming homeless, identify opportunities to prevent homelessness, and examine ways to better support the homeless and those at risk.‘Sadly, each night in Australia there are tens of thousands of people experiencing homelessness. We know that there are many pathways that can lead to homelessness, and through this inquiry, we are hoping to understand how we can better support those who face it and help some of the most vulnerable in our community’, Mr Wallace said.‘There is a range of services available to support people who are homeless or at risk, and the Committee is particularly interested in hearing from communities around Australia about approaches that are working well, and ideas for improvement.’The Committee will accept written submissions until 9 April 2020. Further information about the inquiry, including the terms of reference, is available on the inquiry webpage.