Is the Australian state of Victoria facing a severe housing crisis?
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Synopsis
Victoria, Australia, is in the throes of a housing crisis, with a staggering number of residents on the waitlist for social housing. As homelessness rises, experts call for urgent government action to create more affordable housing and provide essential support services. Learn more about this pressing issue affecting thousands every month.
Key Takeaways
- 66,117 individuals are on the waitlist for social housing in Victoria.
- Victoria has the lowest proportion of social housing in Australia at just 3%.
- Over 13,000 people seek assistance from homelessness services monthly due to family violence.
- Urgent recommendations include building 4,000 new social homes annually.
- The state government’s investment in housing services is below the national average.
Sydney, Oct 1 (NationPress) A recent report reveals that the Australian state of Victoria is grappling with a significant housing crisis. Released on Wednesday by the NGO Council to Homeless Persons (CHP), the report highlights that as of March 2025, a staggering 66,117 individuals are on the waitlist for government-supported social housing in Victoria, marking a 7.4% increase since 2024.
The report indicates that only 3% of housing in Victoria is allocated for social housing, the lowest rate among Australia's eight states and territories.
Each month, over 13,000 people seek assistance from homelessness services due to family violence, while more than 10,000 individuals turn to these services as a result of housing affordability issues.
In June, 33,467 Victorians were benefiting from specialist homelessness services, representing a 9.7% rise since July 2017.
As Victoria stands as Australia's second-largest state by population with 7.05 million residents—accounting for 25.6% of the national population as of March, per reports from Xinhua news agency—urgent reform is needed.
The CHP's report outlines three critical recommendations, urging the state government to construct at least 4,000 new social homes annually, enhance investments in homelessness prevention, and increase funding for crisis accommodation and homelessness support services.
“Every day in Victoria, tens of thousands of people face dire choices between paying rent, escaping violence, or confronting homelessness,” stated Deborah Di Natale, CEO of CHP, in a media release.
Moreover, the report noted that Victoria comprises over one-third of all Australians accessing specialist homelessness services due to housing affordability stress, yet the state government’s funding in housing and homelessness services is falling short of the national average.
Point of View
I emphasize that the housing crisis in Victoria is a pressing national concern. It reflects systemic issues affecting many Australians. There is a need for policy changes and increased investment in affordable housing and homelessness services to ensure that all citizens have a safe place to call home.
NationPress
01/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current state of social housing in Victoria?
As of March 2025, only 3% of housing in Victoria is designated for social housing, the lowest among all Australian states.
How many people are seeking homelessness support in Victoria?
Over 13,000 individuals seek support from homelessness services each month due to family violence and affordability issues.
What recommendations were made in the CHP report?
The report recommends building at least 4,000 new social homes annually, increasing investments in homelessness prevention, and boosting funding for crisis accommodation.
