Addressing the Complex Issue of Homelessness in Australia: A Call for Urgent Action

Around 116,000 people are currently experiencing homelessness in Australia. This sobering statistic is one that weighs heavily on the mind of many Australians, particularly when visiting large public venues like the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), which has a seating capacity of approximately 110-120,000.

According to leading homelessness advocate, Eddie Murray, the number of seats at the iconic ground is not enough to accommodate all of the individuals and families who are currently living without a permanent place to call home.

While Mr Murray’s comment may seem flippant at first glance, it highlights a very real issue facing society today; one that requires urgent action and intervention.

The rise of homelessness in Australia

Despite Australia’s relatively prosperous economy, homelessness rates in the country have been on the rise for a number of years. In fact, the number of homeless individuals in Australia increased by 14% between 2011 and 2016, with more than 116,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night.

There are numerous factors that contribute to this escalating issue, including a lack of affordable housing options and the ongoing impacts of domestic violence and family breakdowns. Other challenges include mental health issues, drug and alcohol addiction, poverty, and economic instability.

It is also worth noting that homelessness disproportionately affects certain populations, including indigenous Australians, refugees and asylum seekers, and members of the LGBTIQ+ community.

Looking to the future, it is clear that this issue is only set to worsen, particularly as rents and property prices continue to rise and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to ripple through the economy.

So, what can be done to address this complex issue?

A multi-faceted approach

According to Mr Murray, the solution to homelessness requires a multi-faceted approach, one that involves government and community action and a focus on both short and long-term solutions.

One of the most pressing immediate needs is for more affordable and supported accommodation options. This could include everything from emergency shelters to transitional housing, to long-term rental subsidies and access to social housing.

There are already some programs in place to address this issue, including the National Housing and Homelessness Agreement, which provides funding and support to states and territories to invest in affordable housing and homelessness services.

However, there is always more that can be done to ensure that everyone in Australia has access to safe, secure, and affordable housing. This is particularly important given that, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, around 90% of individuals who experience homelessness say that housing is the most important issue affecting their lives.

Beyond housing, there is also a need for increased support for individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness. This may include access to medical and mental health services, employment and education support, and assistance with navigating the often-complex legal and bureaucratic systems that can make it difficult to transition out of homelessness.

There are already some valuable support programs available, including the Launch Housing Assertive Outreach program, which provides intensive support to people sleeping rough on the streets of Melbourne.

However, more resources are needed to expand these programs and ensure that everyone who needs support can access it.

Changing societal attitudes

Another key area that needs attention when it comes to addressing the issue of homelessness is changing societal attitudes towards this complex issue.

As Mr Murray notes, homelessness is often viewed as a problem that only affects individuals who are “lazy” or “unmotivated”. This is a dangerous and baseless assumption that perpetuates harmful stereotypes and makes it difficult to empathize with those who are experiencing homelessness.

Instead, we need to shift the conversation towards a more nuanced and compassionate understanding of the factors that contribute to homelessness, and the steps that can be taken to address this pressing issue.

This may involve community education programs, public awareness campaigns, and advocacy work to challenge stereotypes and raise awareness about the impacts of homelessness on individuals and society as a whole.

At the end of the day, the issue of homelessness is a deeply complex and multifaceted one, and it requires a sustained and collaborative effort to address. However, with the right mix of short and long-term solutions, increased support for those who are experiencing homelessness, and a shift in societal attitudes, we can work towards creating a more just and equitable society for all.