Final report Inquiry into homelessness in Australia – July 2021

Abstract

In its interim report, presented in October 2020, the Committee considered the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on homelessness.

In this final report, the Committee makes 35 recommendations which, taken together, propose a renewed approach to preventing and addressing homelessness in Australia.
The Committee’s report concludes with a significant and overarching recommendation for the establishment of a ten-year national strategy on homelessness.

While state and territory governments are primarily responsible for housing and homelessness, a clear and consistent message in evidence given to the Committee was that there is a need for a national approach.

The Committee considers that a national strategy would lead to more cohesive policies, better coordination and more accountability, particularly in relation to the use of Australian Government funding. A national strategy could also recognise and harness the important roles of local governments, community organisations and the private sector in preventing and addressing homelessness.

Most importantly, a national strategy would ensure that all Australian governments have a shared focus on achieving better outcomes for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. In this regard, the Committee identified three main areas for reform…