In December 2008 the Federal Government released a White Paper on Homelessness called "The Road Home: A National Approach to Reducing Homelessness".

It outlines the Federal Governments policy in responding to Homelessness and the targets it has set for itself in reducing homelessness nationally. The two "headline" goals identified in the White Paper are:

-  Halve overall homelessness by 2020.

-  Offer accommodation to all rough sleepers  who need it by 2020.

In addition to these main goals, the White Paper identifies three broad strategies for reducing homelessness. 

These are:
 

1. Turning off the tap: Services will intervene early to prevent homelessness. 

2. Improving and expanding services: services will be more connected and responsive to achieve sustainable housing, improve economic and social participation and end homelessness for their clients.

3.  Breaking the cycle: people who become homeless will move quickly through the crisis system to stable housing with the support they need so that homelessness does not recur.