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As the 48th Parliament sits for the first time, a new snapshot analysis published today by Homelessness Australia reveals that there was an alarming 20% spike in women and girls who were already homeless when seeking help over the term of the last government.

Key points: 

Women and girls seeking homelessness assistance each month

• Already homeless: up 20% (from 24,517 to 29,449) between May 2022 and March 2025
• At risk of homelessness: up 8%
• 45% of women and girls seeking homelessness support have experienced domestic and family violence

The analysis attributes the dramatic deterioration to families and women being pushed further into crisis by rising rents, domestic violence, and a lack of early intervention. Overwhelmed services are forced to prioritise those already homeless.

Homelessness support agencies are warning the federal government that more service providers will keep having to make excruciating decisions around who to help and who to turn away unless more action is taken.

“We acknowledge and welcome Labor’s investments in social housing and homelessness, but the uncomfortable truth is that investment has not kept pace with demand,” Homelessness Australia CEO Kate Colvin said. “Homelessness is increasing for all, but women and girls are copping the brunt of this crisis.

“The Prime Minister talks about leaving no one behind but the harsh reality is that with 45% of women and girls seeking homelessness support having experienced domestic and family violence, more women and girls are returning to violent homes.

“Labor must commit to major reform to save lives. We need a national plan with homelessness reduction targets and the investment to achieve them to get this emergency under control.”

Today, Homelessness Australia is launching a 3-point plan for action and calling on the Government to pledge to turn around rising homelessness this parliamentary term.

Fixing Australia’s homelessness emergency: Three critical actions calls for:

1. A National Housing and Homelessness Plan to set homelessness reduction targets and guide major reforms across government
2. New investment in homelessness services in partnership with the states
3. Action to drive down the number of people becoming homeless by increasing social housing to 10% of all dwellings and increasing income support so people can afford rent

For interviews, please contact Kathleen Ferguson on 0421 522 080 or Nick Lucchinelli on 0422 229 032