A WANGARATTA not-for-profit organisation working with people experiencing homelessness and housing disadvantage has welcomed housing and homelessness initiatives included in the 2024-25 Federal Budget but says significant investment gaps still need to be addressed.
Beyond Housing CEO Celia Adams said the 10 per cent increase in Commonwealth Rent Assistance was a step in the right direction and would provide some relief for those struggling in the current rental market.
“This modest increase will help alleviate some of the financial pressure, but with rents still on the rise, the gap between living costs and income support continues to widen,” she said.
Over the past 12 months regional rents have risen 4.8pc with the median rent now at $430 a week.
Ms Adams also welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to make temporary funding for homelessness services a permanent fixture through the new five-year federal-state housing and homelessness agreement, securing long-term support with a dedicated funding envelope that maintains its current value.
“This is a crucial step in providing consistent and reliable support to our services and the people who depend on them,” she said.
Ms Adams also praised the allocation of $1 billion from the National Housing Infrastructure Facility to create housing for vulnerable groups such as homeless youth and women and children fleeing violence and the $5000 leaving violence payment.
“This funding is an essential part of the government’s ongoing commitment to addressing homelessness and builds on previous initiatives like the Housing Australia Future Fund,” she said.
An additional $1 billion was also included in the budget for critical infrastructure improvements such as roads and essential services, necessary for supporting new housing developments.
“By investing in infrastructure, the government is ensuring that new housing developments are not only possible but sustainable and well-integrated into existing communities,” Ms Adams said.
Despite expert advice, the government’s decision not to increase JobSeeker and Youth Allowance payments which still leaves recipients well below the poverty line.
“To genuinely address the root causes of homelessness and housing insecurity, we must provide a safety net that keeps pace with real-world expenses,” Ms Adams said.
“Without substantial increases, more individuals are at risk of falling into homelessness, undermining the positive impacts of other budget measures.”
She also pointed out the absence of new investments in First Nations housing outside the Northern Territory, calling it a missed opportunity to address specific community needs more effectively.
"We need to increase our social housing stock significantly, enhance income supports, and implement targeted measures to assist those most vulnerable, including our First Nations communities,” Ms Adams said.
"The budget has made important inroads with its increased funding for rent assistance and permanent support for homelessness services.
"To really tackle the housing crisis, we need a bolder investment vision that matches the scale of need, with more comprehensive support for income and targeted housing initiatives.”
