Rough sleeping surges as homelessness crisis worsens: new report
The report also reveals wider cohorts, including employed people, are seeking out homelessness services for support.
www.unsw.edu.auHere’s what’s known recently about homelessness in Australia, based on credible reporting up to early 2025.
- Persistent homelessness rose significantly in the prior five years, with a Productivity Commission report noting about 37,800 people experiencing persistent homelessness in 2023/24, up from around 30,300 in 2019/20. Advocacy groups called the figures alarming but highlighted that early intervention and adequate support can prevent homelessness.[1]
- There is strong ongoing political and sector momentum to address homelessness through housing investments and support services. For example, Housing Australia Future Fund and related social housing initiatives were highlighted as critical for expanding affordable housing and ongoing tenancy support.[2][1]
- News coverage consistently identifies drivers such as housing affordability pressures, cost of living, and the impact of domestic violence on women and children as major factors contributing to homelessness, alongside rising rough sleeping in some years. Major outlets and investigative programs have reported on the scale and regional variations of the issue and called for sustained funding and strategic policy responses.[3][4][6]
- Private and public sector responses include plans to build new crisis and transitional housing, expand Housing First initiatives, and strengthen support networks; advocacy groups emphasize that prevention works when resources are appropriately allocated and coordinated.[5][2]
Would you like a concise, sourced brief with key numbers, or a short summary by city and by driver (e.g., affordability, violence, health)? I can also pull recent policy announcements or provide a quick chart of trends over the last decade if you want. Citations can be included after each fact if you’d like.