One in ten homes must be affordable to end homelessness

09/11/2023

Everybody’s Home is calling for one in ten homes to be social housing over the next decade as a measure to end homelessness in Australia.

The national housing campaign has recommended the 10 per cent target in its submission on the National Housing and Homelessness Plan, which is expected to be released next year.

Spokesperson Maiy Azize said about four per cent of Australia’s total housing stock is social housing.

“The proportion of social housing in Australia has been falling off a cliff for years all while rents, housing stress and homelessness have shot up,” Ms Azize said.

“Renting has never been less affordable. The number of available rentals has hit an all time low. Housing stress has become the fastest growing cause of homelessness.

“The federal government’s National Housing and Homelessness Plan must have a goal to end homelessness for good. To end homelessness, Australia needs one in ten homes to be social housing – homes that remain affordable for the people who need them most, when and where they need them.

“The private market simply won’t deliver the affordable homes that the nation requires. We need one million public and community homes over the next 20 years to meet soaring demand.

“The federal government has the power to end homelessness in Australia. Our federal leaders must deliver an ambitious national plan and back it with the required commitment and resources.

“More social housing is key but the plan must also address the drivers of homelessness, set national minimum rental standards, reform Commonwealth Rent Assistance, and outline mechanisms to reduce speculative investment and house price inflation.”