Housing and homelessness

The Commission’s review presents the best avenue to make the case to governments for the next Agreement to tether funding to the adoption of clear, shared and accountable policy objectives and targets, which we advocate is best delivered by a national housing and homelessness strategy.

This submission advocates the adoption of the tools developed by the Constellation Project, which Mission Australia is a founding member, that would increase the supply of housing that is affordable for people on low to moderate incomes. Two of the tools recommended would facilitate inclusionary zoning and a funding mechanism which would incentivise and drive private investment into social and affordable housing.

Our submission advocates for social and affordable housing to be included as a key issue within the Liveable Settlements topic of the future Tasmanian Planning Policies. It is critical that Tasmania’s planning system supports adequate and appropriate housing that meets the needs of all in the community.

Mission Australia’s submission provides recommendations on temporary accommodation and support options. At the same time, we emphasise the need for clear supply targets to drive work and accountability to meet long-term housing supply needs across NSW. Mission Australia’s Tailored Support Coordination Service model for social housing tenants, and partnership with the Department of Communities and Justice on the Fontainbleau transitional pilot program are also highlighted.

This submission makes the recommendations to: invest in Housing First responses for those with more complex support needs; increase the stock of social housing available and suitable for older people; and commission new residential aged care facilities and better access to the NDIS for homeless older people.