Lyla Lindsey
Homelessness is a pressing issue in Australia, affecting people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. While the causes of homelessness are diverse, domestic and family violence, financial difficulties, and housing affordability stress are among the key factors contributing to this complex issue. The COVID-19 pandemic has also played a role, with government efforts to accommodate rough sleepers during the health crisis potentially impacting the measured rates of homelessness in different states and territories. As of the 2021 Census, approximately 122,000 people were estimated to be experiencing homelessness in Australia, with females accounting for 81.7% of the increase in homelessness since 2016. With varying rates across the nation, the goal now is to identify which state has the highest proportion of people facing homelessness.
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What You'll Learn
Homelessness among young people
Homelessness is a pressing issue in Australia, with a notable rise in youth homelessness. The 2021 Census revealed that nearly a quarter (23%) of Australia's homeless population were young people aged 12 to 24 years old, with 28,204 individuals in this age group experiencing homelessness. This age group saw a decrease in their rate of homelessness from 73 people per 10,000 in 2016 to 71 people per 10,000 in 2021. However, the rate increased for specific younger demographics: those under 12 years old rose to 48 people per 10,000, and those aged 12 to 18 years old increased to 53 people per 10,000. These numbers only represent those who were able to access support services, and the actual figures may be higher due to the hidden nature of youth homelessness.
Young people facing homelessness often find themselves in crowded dwellings, where the lack of personal space and basic amenities negatively impacts their quality of life and mental wellbeing. Supported accommodation offers some stability, but it is often a temporary solution that doesn't address the underlying causes of their displacement. "Couch surfing" is a prevalent form of homelessness among young people, where they move between various homes, lacking a permanent and secure residence. This instability underscores the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to help young people secure safe and stable long-term housing.
The reasons for youth homelessness are varied and complex. Domestic, family, and sexual violence, housing crises, and family breakdowns are significant factors. The current cost-of-living crisis and housing shortages have also contributed to more people seeking support from Specialist Homelessness Services. Young people experiencing homelessness may not fit the stereotypical image of sleeping rough on the streets. They may move between refuges, stay with friends or relatives, or live in their cars, making their homelessness less visible and underreported.
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young people are disproportionately affected by homelessness. In 2021, they made up 36% of homeless children and young people on census night, and one in five of all homeless people in Australia. The state with the highest rate of homelessness among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people was South Australia, with 327 people per 10,000.
The impact of homelessness on young people is significant. It affects their mental health and overall wellbeing, and it diminishes their prospects for education and employment. Ending youth homelessness provides stability and a sense of community, giving young people a foundation to build their future.
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Domestic and family violence
Australia's homelessness statistics are concerning, with 122,494 people estimated to be experiencing homelessness in 2021, a 5.2% increase since 2016. The rate of homelessness per 10,000 people decreased slightly from 50 in 2016 to 48 in 2021. However, it's important to note that the 2021 Census was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, which may have impacted these numbers as governments worked to provide temporary accommodation to prevent the spread of the virus.
Homelessness affects different demographics in varying proportions. For example, females accounted for 81.7% of the increase in homelessness from 2016 to 2021. Additionally, younger age groups have higher rates of homelessness, with 91 people per 10,000 in the 19-24 age group and 70 people per 10,000 in the 25-34 age group. Older Australians, aged 55 and over, are also a priority cohort, with one in seven people experiencing homelessness falling into this category.
When examining the causes of homelessness, it's clear that domestic and family violence (DFV) play a significant role. DFV includes violence between intimate partners and family members, and it affects both men and women, although men are more commonly the perpetrators. The Australian Bureau of Statistics' 2016 Personal Safety Survey revealed that around 1.26 million women and 370,000 men had left relationships due to violence. Of those who moved out, many faced temporary homelessness, with a significant number staying with friends or relatives or seeking refuge in shelters.
In 2020-2021, 42% of clients seeking assistance from Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS) reported that they were escaping DFV. Traditional responses to DFV situations have involved removing women and children from their homes, but this can lead to disruption and homelessness. Crisis accommodation and emergency responses can provide short-term solutions, but finding safe and affordable long-term housing remains challenging. The Rapid Rehousing program addresses this issue by providing transitional accommodation in the private rental market at subsidised rents, allowing individuals escaping DFV to quickly move into furnished properties.
While homelessness is a complex issue influenced by various factors, it's evident that DFV is a significant contributor. By addressing DFV effectively and providing adequate housing support, there is an opportunity to reduce homelessness and improve the safety and wellbeing of those affected.
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Housing affordability stress
The current cost-of-living crisis and housing shortages have resulted in a surge of new adult clients seeking assistance from Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS). Many of these clients cite 'housing affordability stress' and 'housing crisis' as their reasons for seeking support. This issue is particularly pronounced among females, with almost all females expressing concern about the cost of living. Notably, 77% of females under 40 stated that they are 'very concerned', making them the most worried cohort. This aligns with the fact that females aged 25-34 are the largest group seeking support from homelessness services.
The rate of homelessness in Australia increased by 5.2% from 2016 to 2021, with 122,494 people estimated to be experiencing homelessness in 2021. This rise was predominantly driven by an increase in female homelessness, which saw a 42 per 10,000 people rate in 2021, up from 41 in 2016. In contrast, male homelessness rates decreased slightly over the same period. Older Australians, defined as those aged 55 and over, are also a priority cohort for homelessness services, with one in seven people experiencing homelessness falling into this age group.
While New South Wales (NSW) had the lowest rate of people receiving assistance from SHS—1 in 119—it accounted for 25% of the national SHS population. On the other hand, the Northern Territory had a significantly higher rate of people seeking assistance, with 1 in 25 people, despite only making up 4% of the national SHS population.
The impact of ending homelessness can be transformative, offering individuals and families stability, improved health and wellbeing, and increased education and employment prospects.
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State responses to homelessness
Homelessness is a pressing issue in Australia, with 122,494 people estimated to be experiencing homelessness in 2021, a 5.2% increase since 2016. The rate of homelessness per 10,000 people decreased slightly from 50 in 2016 to 48 in 2021. However, certain demographics experienced an increase in homelessness during this period, including children under 12 and adolescents aged 12-18. Young people aged 19-34 had the highest rates of homelessness per 10,000 people in 2021. Additionally, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are disproportionately affected by homelessness, with South Australia having the highest rate of 327 people per 10,000.
State and territory governments in Australia have implemented various responses to address homelessness:
- New South Wales (NSW): NSW has the lowest rate of people receiving assistance from Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS), with 1 in 119 people seeking help, despite representing 25% of the national SHS population. This suggests that while a smaller proportion of people in NSW require assistance, the state accounts for a significant portion of those utilising SHS across Australia.
- Northern Territory: In contrast to NSW, the Northern Territory has a high rate of people seeking assistance from SHS, with 1 in 25 people. This is despite the territory accounting for only 4% of the national SHS population. The high rate of people needing support in the Northern Territory indicates a significant homelessness issue in the region.
- Victoria: The Victorian Government has committed additional funding to increase short- and long-term accommodation options for two groups: perpetrators of family violence and people at risk of perpetrating family violence. This strategy aims to address family violence and provide accommodation options for those affected by it, including potential perpetrators and survivors.
- Queensland: Queensland, along with Victoria, has moved towards decriminalising offences typically associated with homelessness. In 2023, both states repealed their begging and public intoxication offences, recognising that criminalising survival behaviours is not an effective solution to homelessness.
- Australia-wide responses: During the COVID-19 pandemic, state and territory governments worked with homelessness service providers to provide temporary accommodation for those sleeping rough to prevent the spread of the virus. Additionally, Australian homelessness services have conducted over 8,000 interviews with people sleeping rough or experiencing homelessness through "Registry Weeks". This data-driven approach helps agencies prioritise services and develop initiatives to support those most in need.
Overall, state and territory governments in Australia have implemented various responses to homelessness, including accommodation initiatives, decriminalisation of homelessness-related offences, and data-driven approaches to inform policy and service provision. However, homelessness remains a significant issue, particularly for certain demographics such as young people, women, children, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
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Homelessness among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Homelessness is a pressing issue in Australia, with 122,494 people estimated to be experiencing it in 2021, a 5.2% increase since 2016. The rate of homelessness per 10,000 people decreased from 50 in 2016 to 48 in 2021. However, this figure varies across different demographics. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are significantly overrepresented among the homeless. While they comprise an estimated 3.8% of the Australian population, they make up 20% of the homeless population.
In 2021, 24,930 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people were experiencing homelessness, a 6.4% increase from 2016. The rate of homelessness for this group decreased to 307 people per 10,000 in 2021, down from 361 people per 10,000 in 2016. However, these figures may be underestimates due to under-enumeration in the Census, with a net undercount of 17.4% for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in 2021.
Young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are particularly vulnerable to homelessness. In 2021-22, Indigenous youth under 25 accounted for half of the Indigenous clients assisted by Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS). Overall, Indigenous people comprised 28% of those assisted by SHS in that period, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the general population.
The high rate of homelessness among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is influenced by various factors. One factor is the historical and ongoing structural inequalities and discrimination that have limited their access to secure housing and employment. Additionally, cultural differences in the perception of homelessness may contribute to the high rate. Some Indigenous Australians may accept living in overcrowded houses or on traditional lands, which the Australian Bureau of Statistics would classify as homelessness.
Addressing homelessness among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people requires culturally sensitive and appropriate approaches. Organisations like The Salvation Army are committed to reconciliation and providing culturally safe services. Their work involves honouring and respecting the beliefs, values, and goals of Indigenous individuals and communities while utilising statistical evidence and research to guide their service delivery.
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Frequently asked questions
I cannot find a definitive answer, but the Northern Territory has the highest rate of people seeking assistance, with 1 in 25 people affected.
Domestic and family violence is one of the main drivers of homelessness in Australia.
Homelessness can have long-term effects on a young person's health and well-being and impact their mental health, education, and connection with the community.
It is estimated that 122,494 people were experiencing homelessness in 2021, an increase of 6,067 people (5.2%) since 2016.
Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS) provide support to those affected, and state and territory governments are working to give temporary accommodation to people sleeping rough.
