crisis/ˈkrʌɪsɪs/ noun
- a time of intense difficulty or danger.
“WA has a housing and cost of living crisis”
Western Australia is facing a deepening housing crisis, exacerbated by rising living costs and ineffective government interventions. While those of us fortunate enough to have a home may not feel the same immediate concerns, for those without a home, the need for urgent action is critical.
Homelessness and sleeping rough are the ones we see, but I have learnt that there is the overcrowding of homes that is the silent crisis. Due to rent increases or lack of housing availability, 3-4 families will live in a home. Situations like this can see domestic violence, sexual assaults and can be a health and safety risk.
The WA Labor Government has failed in their duty to keep West Australians safe and secure.
Addressing the housing crisis isn’t just about providing shelter—it’s about fostering security, safety, and hope (the very job of government). The ripple effects for real solutions extend far beyond housing, helping to combat issues like domestic and family violence, and restoring dignity and opportunity to those in need. Where there is hope, there is a chance for a better life.
Data Talks
Recent data paints a concerning picture:
- By-Name List Data: In February 2024, the By-Name List, which tracks homelessness in Perth, Geraldton, Bunbury, Mandurah, and Rockingham, showed a record 1,889 individuals experiencing homelessness, up from 1,373 two years prior. Of these, 1,029 were sleeping rough, an increase from 655 in the same period. (Shelter WA)
- Census Figures: On Census night in 2021, an estimated 9,700 people were homeless in Western Australia, up from 9,005 in 2016. This includes individuals sleeping rough, couch surfing, or living in severely overcrowded accommodations. (WA Government)
In a state with year on year billion dollar surpluses, why are figures increasing in homelessness and living in severely crowded homes?
Government Initiatives and Their Shortcomings
The WA Labor Government has launched several programs to combat homelessness. Despite these efforts, the crisis persists, indicating that current strategies are not effective:
- Financial Investments: The 2024-25 State Budget allocated $1.1 billion for housing and homelessness, bringing total new investment since 2021-22 to $3.2 billion.
- Housing First Support Services (HFSS): This program aims to transition rough sleepers into permanent housing with necessary support services. While there have been successes in regions like Geraldton and Mandurah, the overall impact remains limited.
The Human Cost of the Housing Crisis
For individuals, families and businesses, the impact is damaging:
- Safety and Security: Without a safe place to live, people are more vulnerable to violence, including domestic and family violence.
- Health and Wellbeing: The lack of stable housing exacerbates physical and mental health challenges, creating barriers to recovery and employment.
- Lost Potential: Children in unstable housing situations face disruptions to education, limiting their future opportunities.
- Economic: No housing means local businesses can’t employ the people they need to service WA communities.
The flow-on effects of this housing crisis touch every aspect of society. Solving this crisis is not just a moral imperative—it’s a practical necessity for building safer, stronger communities.
Recommendations for Effective Solutions
Addressing the housing crisis requires a Government that can make tough decisions and practical, people-first policies. I believe to effectively address this issue, the following measures are practicable and doable:
- Cut red and green tape: Simplify land development processes to speed up new housing projects.
- Increase Social Housing Stock: Accelerate the construction of social and affordable housing to reduce wait times and provide immediate relief to those in need. This would include swift support for shovel-ready local government projects.
- Incentivise Affordable Housing: Encourage private investment in low-cost housing developments that meet community needs.
- Enhance Support Services: Expand access to holistic support, including mental health care, employment and home training, and addiction services (private and government), to address the multifaceted challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness.
- Build GROH Stock: In areas that have minimal pre-built housing, the GROH (Government Regional Officer Housing) Program must stop buying and start building housing for their staff. This will take pressure off the housing market, increase economic drive and get appropriate staff to fulfill services.
- Remove Government “Spot Purchasing” policy: This takes private stock from the market, putting pressure in other areas.
- Sustainable Solutions: Fast-track modular and eco-friendly housing to address the crisis quickly and responsibly.
- Engage in Genuine Consultation: Collaborate with community organisations and care services, individuals with lived experiences, and other stakeholders to develop policies that reflect the real needs of the homeless population.
Addressing homelessness is about more than providing housing—it’s about creating hope. Hope for safety. Hope for stability. Hope for a better future. For every person who finds a home, there’s a ripple effect that strengthens families, communities, and society as a whole.
I will hold the Government accountable for the promises they’ve made, and for the services they must provide.
As West Australians, we can no longer afford to ignore this crisis. With urgent action and meaningful solutions, we can restore dignity and opportunity to those who need it most. Where there is hope, there is life—and with life, the chance for a brighter future.