Homelessness Australia is urging federal and state governments to act on the latest findings from the National Housing Supply and Affordability State of the Housing System 2025 report released today.
The 2025 report revealed households are under growing pressure, with increasing rental stress, and a sharp rise in people stuck in rental stress for over two years, and social housing as a proportion of all housing continuing to decline.
New data in the report reveals the direct impact of this crisis on people's wellbeing, with renters in rental stress experiencing worsening mental health over the past decade.
New data also reveals that rental stress is increasing risk factors for homelessness, with one in four stressed renters not having savings to manage an emergency.
"What's scary about this housing crisis is there is no end in sight. This report is the latest indicator telling us how bad things are. It's affecting people's mental and physical health and it has to end," Homelessness Australia CEO Kate Colvin said.
The report noted the strong connection between rental stress, lack of social housing and homelessness. It cited data showing 280,000 people accessed homelessness services between 2023-24, and that persistent homelessness and the unmet need for homelessness services are growing.
"Homelessness Australia supports the report's recommendations to boost social housing to 6%, with a long-term target of 10% of all homes.
"This report calls for bold action to address the housing crisis and provide all Australians with the stability and security of a safe, affordable home. We urge the federal government to act swiftly on this report, and to work with us to turn this crisis around," Kate Colvin said.
"Alongside growth in social housing we urgently need increased government investment in homelessness services to meet the growing need for support and ensure no one is turned away.
