Shelter WA is disappointed not to see a single new major announcement regarding affordable housing or combating chronic homelessness, the need for more affordable and secure homes in our nation continues.

With just 10 days to go before the 2018/19 State Budget, Shelter WA is urging the State Government to recognise that investment in housing will deliver Budget repair, and result in better economic, health and education outcomes for the Western Australian community.

“The estimated number of people experiencing homelessness in Western Australia has remained persistent between the 2011 and 2016 Census, with over 9000 people experiencing homeless on any one night. These numbers remain unacceptably high,” said Shelter WA CEO Michelle Mackenzie. “As a community we can take major steps to end homelessness now.”

Withdrawal of funding by the Commonwealth, for the National Partnership on Remote Housing (NPRH) (a ten-year partnership to build and refurbish housing in some of the most disadvantaged communities across Australia) will have major detrimental consequences to the economic, social welfare, education, and health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in these communities.

A new report released today reveals that there are more than 24,000 people in Western Australia accessing specialist homelessness services each year. 

Shelter WA notes the findings of a recent report which reveals that Western Australians have the most accessible housing market for first home buyers (FTBs). Nevertheless, housing affordability is still an issue for many Western Australians.

Shelter WA holds serious concerns about the economic future for many Western Australians with the recent release of the Rental Affordability Index (RAI).

The State Government announced yesterday that LandCorp and the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority (MRA) are to be amalgamated. The Department of Communities (Housing) development arm will also be considered for future integration in this amalgamation.

WA people experiencing homelessness could be hit hard by federal legislation tabled today.  

Shelter WA has urged the state government not to reduce its commitment to Metronet as a budget measure.