Australian Medical Association backs proposal to count homelessness deaths

Homelessness in Melbourne. A recent Guardian investigation revealed that hundreds experiencing homelessness were dying premature, preventable deaths. Photograph: Nigel Killeen/Getty Images

The Australian Medical Association has described hundreds of premature homelessness deaths as a “national tragedy” and urged the government to invest in a monitoring regime and improved housing and health services.

Guardian Australia revealed earlier this month that hundreds of Australians experiencing homelessness were dying premature, preventable deaths, based on a 12-month investigation involving 627 cases.