Presentation given by Felicity Reynolds offering an overview of the homelessness system in Australia

1. Overview of Homelessness and Homelessness Systems in Australia Felicity Reynolds & Ian Carter

2. Definition of Homelessness For some years Australia has offically used a definition of homelessness devised by Chamberlain and McKenzie (he’s here!) Primary Secondary Tertiary

3. Homelessness definitions There is no agreed definition of ‘chronic homelessness’. Often used: Continually homeless for 6 months or multiple episodes of homelessness for 12 months or longer. Rural/remote current discussions on rough sleeping. Australia does an official ‘count’ of homeless people at each census (every 5 years). This will happen again in August 2011. (David might like to comment). 2006 – 105,000 homeless.

4. Mainstream systems support for homeless people No right to housing – although each State has public housing and community housing (but diminished in recent years – 4%). Right to universal health care (Medicare). Right to Federal income support – Unemployment benefit/Disability and Aged Pensions.

5. Structure of homeless assistance Mostly non-profit delivery (however, significant % government funded). Social Housing – primarily delivered by State government (starting to move towards greater community housing providers). Since 1986 SAAP was primary program that funded single homeless hostels, youth refuges and DV refuges and some other day centres etc.

6. SAAP Data collection system co-ordinated AIHW (NDCA). SAAP standards were introduced within the past decade. SAAP has now been superseded since White Paper 2008. Replaced with Federal agreements with the States on homelessness and housing funding (NAHA).

7. White Paper – The Road Home First major Federal focus on homelessness for decades. Feds driving agenda and States obligations for funding. Established PMs Council. Focus on Turning off the tap, Improving and expanding services and Breaking the cycle. Halve overall homelessness by 2020

8. White paper (continued) Offer supported accommodation to all rough sleepers by 2020. Before these dates – some specific targets. 6.1 billion dollars over 5 years Additional 1.2 billion as down payment on 12 year reform project outlined in White Paper. 0.8 homelessness services 0.4 on supply housing

9. National Affordable Housing Agreement Now funds homelessness services as well as public and community housing. Other new initiatives include NRAS.

10. State funding obligations States to provide 50% of funding under NAHA (v similar to previous SAAP). States are obligated to meet outcomes, as agreed. Eg. NSW and WA now have state homelessness plans. Beginning to move towards Housing First and new models of service (eg. Common Ground and Foyers).

11. Current homeless assistance system (but changing) Hostels (Shelters) – up to 3 months Transitional housing – 3months – 18 months Day centres and information options States – do some TA (eg. Families short term in motels). WA – family housing program. Generally these programs work ok for the majority – but have not provided long term solutions and haven’t worked for some.

12. Permanent supportive housing Just starting – not widespread and not well connected with multiple services (as needed). CGs in each State; Other Housing First initiatives (Project 40). Micah 50 lives 50 homes. Foyers (not perm but work to create stable housing careers).

13. New strategies Refer – White Paper PSH Housing First approaches Street to Home teams – all cities now (2010) Youth Foyers Introduction of a ‘homeless flag’ at Centrelink ‘Making ends meet’ (WA) NRAS (attempt at creating private investment in affordable housing). 8,000 over 10 years. Obliged 80% of market rent.