Homelessness Australia has called on the Albanese government to increase financial support to young Australians who are being forced to choose between food and a roof over their heads amid a crippling rental crisis. With the Federal Budget to be delivered next week, the organization is urging the government to lift Youth Allowance and Commonwealth Rent Assistance to avoid homelessness and poverty.
Rising number of first-time rough sleepers
The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW has reported that many people are seeking help for the first time amid rising living costs and housing pressures. Rough sleeping accounts for only 6% of the total homeless population. It’s about insecure housing, with people sleeping in their cars, tents, boarding houses, or overcrowded dwellings.
City of Sydney council’s survey results
The City of Sydney council found a 23% increase in rough sleepers in the inner city in February, with almost 300 people sleeping on the streets. This number is believed to be an underestimate as it doesn’t include people in crisis accommodation, overcrowded homes, or couch-surfing with friends or family.
CEO Kate Colvin’s plea for government action
CEO Kate Colvin of Homelessness Australia emphasized the urgent need for government action to prevent young people from falling into homelessness and poverty. She called for an increase in Youth Allowance and Commonwealth Rent Assistance to provide young people with the income they need to avoid these situations.
How can the government address the crisis?
Experts suggest that the government needs to address the underlying issues of homelessness, including affordable housing and income inequality. The government needs to invest in social and affordable housing, including public housing and community housing. It also needs to increase funding for homelessness services and support programs that can help people find and maintain stable housing. Additionally, the government can implement policies to address income inequality and poverty, such as increasing the minimum wage and improving access to education and job training programs.
The homelessness crisis in Australia is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed with immediate and effective action. With rising living costs and housing pressures, young Australians are facing tough choices that can lead to homelessness and poverty. The government must take steps to address the underlying issues of homelessness and provide the support and resources necessary to help people find and maintain stable housing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Kate Colvin and what is her role?
Kate Colvin is the CEO of Homelessness Australia, an organization that advocates for policy changes to prevent and end homelessness in Australia.What is the Commonwealth Rent Assistance program and who is eligible for it?
The Commonwealth Rent Assistance program is a government-funded scheme that provides financial assistance to eligible individuals and families who rent in the private rental market. Eligibility criteria include receiving a Centrelink payment, paying rent, and not owning any significant assets, among other factors.What is the St Vincent de Paul Society and what services does it provide?
The St Vincent de Paul Society is a Catholic volunteer organization that provides a range of support services to people experiencing disadvantage or hardship, including homelessness, poverty, and social isolation. Services may include emergency relief, accommodation and housing support, counseling and referral services, and education and training programs.What is the City of Sydney council and what is its role in addressing homelessness?
The City of Sydney council is a local government authority responsible for managing the central business district and surrounding areas of Sydney, Australia. In regards to homelessness, the council has a Homelessness Unit that works to prevent and respond to homelessness in the local area through partnerships with government agencies, community organizations, and advocacy groups.
