WA Daylight Saving Leader Wilson Tucker has today called on the Government to build 10,000 new public houses over the next four years, saying that “homelessness is everyone’s problem”.

Mr Tucker made the call at a rally at Parliament House organised by indigenous advocates and an alliance of community service providers.

“It’s no secret that places like Perth CBD are feeling the full force of the housing crisis in Western Australia,” Mr Tucker said.

“That’s obviously bad for the people who have been forced on to the streets. But it’s also bad for locals and tourists who may have confronting experiences.

“Western Australians are their brother’s keeper. If their neighbour is down on their luck, it’s their responsibility to help them,” Mr Tucker said.

Mr Tucker’s call was supported by Megan Krakouer, Director of the National Suicide Prevention & Trauma Recovery Project, and by Mervyn Eades, CEO of the Ngalla Maya Aboriginal Corporation.

“The trauma of homelessness can leave lasting scars. Children have lost their lives to suicide, and I fear that many more will be hurt,” Mrs Krakouer said

“The Government is set to deliver a $5 billion dollar budget surplus. There’s simply no reason not to act,” Mr Eades said.

Mr Tucker also called on the Government to set aside 20 per cent of all new housing stock to indigenous families saying that, “first nations families need this most”.