Released on Thursday 30th January 2025, the latest Report on Government Services from the Productivity Commission confirms the deepening housing emergency in Australia, revealing that two in five (41.8%) of low-income renters faced rental stress and were at risk of homelessness in 2023-24, despite receiving Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA). 

The report also reveals more than 50,000 Australians desperately needing crisis or longer-term accommodation were unable to receive that help from homelessness services because of the housing emergency.   

The number of households on social housing waiting lists is 223,959, including 109,462 in greatest need on the priority waitlist, a 3% increase.  

Mission Australia CEO Sharon Callister said: "This report confirms what we’ve been warning: rising rental stress, a dysfunctional housing system, and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis are driving more people across Australia into homelessness, including those in paid work, with many being pushed into homelessness for the first time. The staggering lack of affordable housing options is overwhelming the system, leaving more people without a safe, secure place to call home. 

"We urgently need the Federal Government to raise the maximum threshold for Commonwealth Rent Assistance by 60% and review rental subsidies to help stop people and families being pushed into homelessness. Increasing JobSeeker and other income support payments to at least $82 a day will also help those struggling to stay housed to avoid homelessness.”   

Ms Callister continued, “The demand for homelessness and housing services is rising rapidly —Mission Australia’s services saw a 26% increase in demand over three years. We want to end homelessness in Australia, but our staff are facing unprecedented challenges securing accommodation for people and families in need because there simply isn’t enough housing that is affordable to go around. 

“As we approach the March Federal Budget, we call on the government to deliver a National Housing and Homelessness Plan that prioritises prevention and long-term solutions. We need a $500 million Homelessness Prevention Transformation Fund to help people before they reach crisis point, and a commitment to building one million new social and affordable homes over the next 20 years. 

"Current government social housing commitments are welcome, but fall short. Right now, about 640,000 households are in need of affordable housing but can't access it. If we don't build significantly more social and affordable homes, that number could rise to around a million in 20 years. We need far more investment to address the critical shortage of social and affordable housing, tackle long social housing waiting lists, and end homelessness. 

"Australia is in the grips of a housing and homelessness emergency. Immediate, collaborative action is needed, driven by targeted investment and bold leadership," said Ms Callister. 

Read more: Mission Australia’s submission to the National Housing and Homelessness Plan.  

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Our founding purpose - 'Inspired by Jesus Christ, Mission Australia exists to meet human need and to spread the knowledge of the love of God'