Supported Accommodation Assistance Act 1994

The object of this Act is to grant financial assistance to the States to administer a program, to be known as the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (“SAAP”).

A description of the aims etc. of SAAP is set out below.

The overall aim of SAAP is to provide transitional supported accommodation and related support services, in order to help people who are homeless to achieve the maximum possible degree of self‑reliance and independence. Within this aim the goals are:

to resolve crisis; and

to re‑establish family links where appropriate; and

to re‑establish a capacity to live independently of SAAP.

The aim of SAAP is to be achieved by:

providing or arranging for the provision of support services and supported accommodation; and

helping people who are homeless to obtain long‑term, secure and affordable housing or accommodation and support services.

Other key features of SAAP are as follows:

SAAP is to be implemented principally through common‑form agreements between the Commonwealth and the States;

the parties to such agreements are to endeavour to work together in a co‑operative relationship where the contributions of each party are valued equally;

the parties to such agreements are to endeavour to work co‑operatively with local government bodies and service providers in connection with the provision of services under SAAP;

SAAP is to promote an image of people who are homeless that emphasises their human dignity and the fact that, irrespective of their current circumstances, they are entitled to opportunities that will enable them to participate fully in community life;

SAAP is to encourage innovation in the provision of services to people who are homeless;

SAAP is to safeguard clients’ rights and deal with clients’ responsibilities through measures including, but not limited to:

the development of grievance and appeals procedures; and

the development of charters of clients’ rights and responsibilities.