Image from the SBS (Source: Getty / William West)
The latest Productivity Commission Report on Government Services has revealed a 25% surge in persistent homelessness over the past five years, highlighting an urgent need for increased investment in long-term support services.
The data shows that 37,779 people experienced persistent homelessness in 2023-24, up from 30,306 in 2019-20. Persistent homelessness, defined as being homeless for more than seven months over a 24-month period, now affects more than one in five (22.5%) of all homelessness service clients.
“These are grim findings. More Australians than ever are trapped in long-term homelessness, and even those who find housing are struggling to maintain it without adequate support,” said Kate Colvin, CEO of Homelessness Australia
The report shows that 10.3% of clients who secured housing through homelessness services in 2023-24 later returned to homelessness – representing 14,740 individuals who lost their housing despite initial success.
“Each day, an average of 208 people seek accommodation and are turned away empty-handed. Over the year, that amounts to 53,292 people – one in three of those needing accommodation – who received no housing assistance at all.”
However, the data also reveals some positive outcomes. Services successfully prevented homelessness in 80.9% of cases where clients sought help while at risk of becoming homeless.
“We know what works, we just have to resource it properly. The high success rate in preventing homelessness shows that early intervention is effective. With sustained investment in support services, we can prevent people cycling back into homelessness and lay down the foundations of healthy, functional lives.”
Independent sites such as The AIMN provide a platform for public interest journalists. From its humble beginning in January 2013, The AIMN has grown into one of the most trusted and popular independent media organisations.
One of the reasons we have succeeded has been due to the support we receive from our readers through their financial contributions.
With increasing costs to maintain The AIMN, we need this continued support.
Your donation – large or small – to help with the running costs of this site will be greatly appreciated.
You can donate through PayPal or credit card via the button below, or donate via bank transfer: BSB: 062500; A/c no: 10495969
Know your candidates: An objective guide Here’s an overview of key candidates for the 2025…
There have been times when the tactics of the Liberal Party in this election campaign…
By Callen Sorensen Karklis Planning for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics is actively progressing, involving collaboration…
It's a tale of two launches, each with its distinct flavour. One exudes a sense…
Recent rumours have sparked intense debate about the conditions attached to potential U.S.-UK trade negotiations,…
Australians should remember, as the election approaches, that Tim Wilson was shortlisted in 2015 for…
View Comments
Labor & LNP will do nothing to improve the situation. It’s part of the plan. Why would they even think of dropping negative gearing, Capital gains tax concessions, land-banking, ultra-high immigration, trophy homes for foreign investors, etc?
Lack of affordable shelter is only really a problem for the have-nots.
After the next election, plans and legislations are in place to increase the number of have-nots. Eventually, few will miss out on the experience of being a ‘have-not’.
To see how that will happen, you can read Kate Mason substack, Deconstructing 4IR Narrative.
Home owners will be asked to voluntarily retro-fit their homes, including investments, with energy upgrades. This is said to be related to fighting climate change.
Details here: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/energy/energy-efficiency/buildings/residential-buildings
If you can’t afford upgrades, Blackrock will ‘help’ you out*.
out* - out of your property when you fail to keep up with the upgrades which will themselves be upgraded every 3-5 years.
Remember the WEF said ‘You will own nothing and be happy’, they actually meant the first part of that meme because they helped to design the blueprint.