An independent Sydney MP wants the rise in homelessness to be declared a state emergency.

A survey conducted last month found one in three Australians know someone who has experienced homelessness.

The state member for Sydney Alex Greenwich says the problem has reached “epidemic levels”, with 38,000 people now forced to live on our streets.

He has launched a petition, calling for immediate action to get people into safe and supported housing.

Nearly 40,000 people in NSW are homeless, an increase of 37% since 2011. I’ve called for a state emergency response from the government to put in place the immediate supports and long term solutions to end homelessness. Join me by signing the petition at https://t.co/dvQnBe1lJT pic.twitter.com/yR7ztBqZEB

— Alex Greenwich MP (@AlexGreenwich) August 6, 2018

“This is something we definitely need to do something about,” Mr Greenwich tells Alan Jones.

“My call for a state emergency would put in place immediate action, making sure that people are getting… support.”

He says he will continue to raise the issue with the state government, wanting a commitment to a “long-term solution”.

Click PLAY below for the full interview 

You can sign the petition HERE