Speakers included representatives from three charities providing support for homeless people in Goulburn, political representation from Labor, the Greens and an ardent supporter of the Liberal Democrats.

Notable by their absence was any representation from the Liberal and National parties. Perhaps the former were preoccupied with plans to rebuild sports stadiums instead of addressing one of the most pressing issues in Australia right now. This is despite the NSW Treasurer handing down a budget surplus only this week.

While more than one solution is required to address homelessness, it starts with the provision of affordable housing. Not an insignificant number of Goulburn residents are one unanticipated disaster away from finding themselves homeless, whether they be youth, families or the elderly. The ‘time to start the discussion’ ended five years ago. When the Titanic hit the iceberg, it wasn’t time ‘to open the discussion on the merits of hull integrity’.

We require urgent action at the local, state and especially national level. Clearly our political class are not going to take the lead on this matter as evidenced by their action (or more particularly lack of action) in office.

I’m calling on the Goulburn community to both consider ways we might ameliorate this growing crisis right here in our region and how we might compel our legislators to act.