Leslie Massey
Homelessness is a pressing issue in Australia, affecting over 122,000 people in 2021, with varying rates across states and territories. The Australian Bureau of Statistics defines homelessness as a person lacking secure and adequate housing, encompassing those in non-conventional, short-term, or emergency accommodations. This issue disproportionately impacts males, young adults, Indigenous Australians, and victims of domestic violence. Factors contributing to homelessness include financial strain, emotional or physical stress, and a lack of support systems. Addressing homelessness is a priority, with governments funding housing and support services, primarily delivered by non-governmental organizations. However, data limitations and the impact of COVID-19 responses make it challenging to capture the full extent of homelessness in Australia.
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What You'll Learn
Who is most at risk?
Australia is facing a homelessness crisis, with over 116,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night, and almost a third of these are under the age of 18. Certain groups are more vulnerable and at higher risk of becoming homeless.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are vastly over-represented among the homeless population, with
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How is homelessness defined?
Homelessness in Australia is a complex issue that affects a significant number of people from diverse backgrounds. While there is no single definition of homelessness, it is generally understood as a lack of access to secure and suitable accommodation. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) defines homelessness as "when a person does not have suitable accommodation alternatives, and their current living arrangement lacks one or more of the elements that represent 'home'". This definition is applied to the Census of Population and Housing, conducted once every five years, to estimate the extent of homelessness in Australia.
The ABS definition of homelessness includes various categories, such as:
- Rooflessness or primary homelessness: This refers to individuals without any shelter, sleeping rough on the streets, or in improvised dwellings.
- Houselessness or secondary homelessness: This includes people who have a place to sleep but are temporarily residing in institutions, shelters, or moving frequently between various types of accommodations.
- Living in insecure housing: Individuals in this category face the threat of eviction, domestic violence, or severe exclusion due to insecure tenancies.
- Living in inadequate housing: This encompasses those living in extreme overcrowding, unfit housing, or on illegal campsites.
The Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS) data, collected monthly from around 1,800 service providers, provides more timely insights into homelessness. However, it excludes those who do not seek help, and many people experiencing homelessness may remain uncounted in official records. The SHS data considers a person homeless if they are living in non-conventional accommodation, such as on the streets, or in short-term or emergency accommodation, such as temporarily staying with friends or relatives.
According to the 2021 Census, more than 122,000 people in Australia experienced homelessness on Census night, with a rate of 48 per 10,000 people. This represented a slight increase from 45 per 10,000 in 2006. The rate of homelessness fluctuated between 51 people per 10,000 in 2001 and 48 in 2021. The highest rate of homelessness was in the Northern Territory (564 people per 10,000 population), while the lowest was in Western Australia (37 people per 10,000).
It is important to recognize that homelessness goes beyond the lack of physical shelter and includes the absence of one or more elements that constitute a 'home'. This can include factors such as financial security, control of space, and access to social relations. Additionally, certain groups are known to be at particular risk of homelessness, including those who have experienced family and domestic violence, young people, children on care and protection orders, First Nations people, older Australians, and individuals with mental health issues or substance abuse problems.
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What is the government doing?
The Australian government has implemented several initiatives to address homelessness in the country, recognizing that safe and affordable housing is crucial for the security and dignity of its citizens. The National Housing and Homelessness Plan is a comprehensive strategy that aims to improve housing outcomes and reduce homelessness. This plan includes measures to make it easier for Australians to buy or rent homes, such as increasing the maximum rates of Commonwealth Rent Assistance and establishing the $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund to deliver 30,000 new social and affordable homes.
The government also provides funding to Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS) agencies, which offer assistance to those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. These services include prevention, early intervention, crisis support, and post-crisis assistance, with a focus on accommodation and personal services. In 2023-24, SHS agencies assisted about 280,000 clients, with a significant proportion being at risk of homelessness.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are a priority cohort for the government, aiming to reduce homelessness within this community. They are over-represented in homelessness measures, and the government recognizes that there may be unique aspects of homelessness from their perspective that are not adequately captured in current definitions. The government has also committed to consulting with these communities to develop effective strategies.
To address the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the state and territory governments worked with homelessness service providers to provide temporary accommodation for those sleeping rough to prevent the spread of the virus.
The government has also introduced a Data Improvement Work Plan to enhance homelessness and social housing data. This plan aims to improve existing datasets and create linkages between different datasets to better understand individuals' housing experiences and make informed decisions about service provision.
Additionally, the government has provided $6.2 million in peak body funding over three years for critical advocacy, research, and support for the homelessness sector. This funding enables organizations like Homelessness Australia to continue their work and advocate for further reforms and investments to tackle homelessness.
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What are the health implications?
Experiencing homelessness in Australia can have serious health implications. People who are homeless are among the country's most socially and economically disadvantaged. This can lead to a higher risk of adverse health outcomes, including malnutrition, dental problems, and chronic illnesses. Homelessness can also expose individuals to violence and victimisation, resulting in long-term unemployment and mental health issues.
Research has shown that people experiencing homelessness in Australia have significantly higher rates of death and chronic illness compared to the general population. Australian studies indicate that homeless individuals die, on average, 22 to 33 years younger than those who are housed. This mortality gap is largely due to conditions that could be effectively treated with appropriate healthcare. However, accessing adequate healthcare can be challenging for those without stable housing.
Mental health is also significantly impacted by homelessness. The fear of losing one's home or the experience of being homeless can lead to mental health challenges such as hopelessness, depression, and thoughts of suicide. Additionally, those with existing mental health issues may find it more difficult to manage their conditions without stable housing.
Homelessness can also increase the risk of infectious disease transmission, especially in crowded dwellings. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in 2021, 39% of people experiencing homelessness in Australia were living in "severely" crowded dwellings. This lack of adequate shelter can also lead to poor nutrition and back pain.
The health implications of homelessness are complex and interconnected. The physical and mental health challenges faced by homeless individuals can further hinder their ability to obtain stable housing and improve their overall health and well-being. However, with appropriate housing and support, these negative health outcomes can be improved or even reversed.
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What are the causes?
Homelessness in Australia is a complex issue with a variety of causes. While the exact number of homeless people in Australia is challenging to determine, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) estimated that over 122,000 people experienced homelessness in 2021, with figures progressively rising over the years. The rate of homelessness per 10,000 people decreased from 50 in 2016 to 48 in 2021. However, the number of people living in severely crowded dwellings increased during the same period.
Causes of Homelessness in Australia
Social and Economic Factors
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) recognises that homelessness can result from various social, economic, and health-related factors. The high cost of living and shortage of affordable housing in Australia significantly contribute to homelessness. Young people, in particular, struggle to secure long-term accommodation and are vulnerable to poverty.
Domestic and Family Violence
Domestic and family violence are significant drivers of homelessness, especially for women and children. In 2023-24, around 109,500 people who experienced domestic violence were assisted by specialist homelessness services. Indigenous people are disproportionately impacted, with a 32 times higher likelihood of hospitalisation due to family violence compared to non-Indigenous people.
Mental Health and Addiction
Mental illness, addiction, and other personal challenges can lead to homelessness. Nearly half of the young people in Australia experience mental health issues, alcohol or drug problems, or a combination of these.
Individual Risk Factors
The Salvation Army Australia highlights individual risk factors that can heighten vulnerability to homelessness, such as personal circumstances and societal challenges. These factors may include unemployment, financial difficulties, gambling, and social isolation.
Housing Insecurity
Housing insecurity and inadequate living conditions also contribute to homelessness. People may find themselves without suitable accommodation alternatives, living in unsafe, overcrowded, or unreliable dwellings. This disconnect from a stable and secure home environment can have detrimental effects on mental and physical health, making it challenging to improve one's situation.
The causes of homelessness in Australia are multifaceted and interconnected. Addressing these underlying factors is crucial to reducing homelessness and supporting those at risk.
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Frequently asked questions
On Census night in 2021, it was estimated that 122,494 people were experiencing homelessness in Australia. This is an increase of 5.2% since the 2016 Census.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics defines homelessness as a person not having suitable accommodation alternatives, and their current living arrangement may include living in non-conventional accommodation (e.g. on the street) or short-term or emergency accommodation (e.g. temporarily with friends or relatives).
In 2025, three in ten Australians under 40 (30%) expressed some level of concern about becoming homeless within the next 12 months. The main reasons for this concern were housing affordability stress and financial difficulties.
