Overview

• An estimated 10,000 more Australians are becoming homeless each month compared to three years ago, with the total rising 22% since 2020.
• National median rents have increased by 51% since March 2020, with a 29% rise even after adjusting for inflation, outpacing income growth and worsening rental stress.
• Homelessness services are overwhelmed, reporting a 12% rise in monthly caseloads since 2019-2020 and a 44% increase in the average duration of client support over five years.
• Groups increasingly affected include families, older women, people with disabilities, and even employed individuals such as teachers and nurses unable to afford housing.
• Government commitments to build 60,000 new social housing units by 2030 offer some relief, but experts warn the scale of need far exceeds current plans, calling for more sustained investment.