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.

MORE AFFORDABLE AND SOCIAL HOUSING URGENTLY REQUIRED

27 September, 2017

Western Australia’s social and affordable housing system is simply not big enough; there are not enough dwellings in the system to cope with demand as evidenced, principally by WA’s substantial housing waitlist. 

“WA needs a concerted effort to grow and develop the social and affordable housing system.  A system that provides an adequate safety net for those who cannot enter the private rental market, who are experiencing homelessness, and for those who need the time and space to get back on their feet,” Shelter spokesperson, Stephen Hall, said 

“The recent State Budget revealed there was no money set aside for Community housing organisations to grow the sector.  The problem we are dealing with is structural not cyclical.  A clear strategy, outlining investment in community housing, as an important sector to deliver homes for people on low to moderate incomes would be a great start to ending homelessness and addressing costs in other key government cost centres. Community housing organizations have the expertise to address these problems.”

WA needs a comprehensive strategy to address the demand for social and affordable housing options; especially social and affordable dwellings that can be rented by people not in a position to buy a home either on the open market or through schemes like Keystart, Mr Hall said.

“There are also significant budget problems that can be addressed by a better approach to housing.  For example, with the cost of accommodating people with mental illness in Graylands being around $265,000 per annum the Mental Health Commissioner, Mr Tim Marney recently stated 43 percent of mental health patients could be discharged if they had a safe home to go to.

 “Measures noted in the Budget papers, to address affordability reference Commonwealth strategies, such as the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation, to increase private sector investment into social and affordable rental housing.  While Commonwealth initiatives provide an opportunity for the community housing sector, the State Government detailing a Commonwealth response also could be seen as shifting some of the responsibility.”

Fast Facts

• The average waiting time for social housing is projected at 145 weeks.
• There are 212 community housing providers in Western Australia.
• The largest 10 providers control 60 per cent of community housing properties

For more information contact Stephen Hall 9325 6660, 0408 426 263, or email comms@shelterwa.org.au