Responsibility:
Joint Response: Subject to further consideration
Status: Subject to further consideration
What has been achieved to date
Nil update.
What the Disability Royal Commission said in the final report
In developing the National Housing and Homelessness Plan, the Australian Government, working with state and territory governments, should:
a) identify people with disability, particularly people with intellectual disability or cognitive impairment, as a discrete cohort or cohorts for intensive homelessness support, recognising their needs, circumstances and diversity
b) review the adequacy of funding for homelessness, with particular regard to the cost of providing more intensive homelessness support for people with disability and complex needs, and current levels of unmet demand
c) expand pathways and support for people with disability out of homelessness, including through Housing First programs
d) consider establishing free, independent legal advice and advocacy services for people with disability experiencing homelessness to help them navigate the different homelessness supports to which they are entitled at state or territory and Australian Government levels.
Joint Government Response July 2024
The Australian Government and state and territory governments are committed to national action to help more Australians access safe and affordable housing, including people with disability.
Safe and affordable housing is central to the security and dignity of people with disability. All governments have committed to an ambitious housing reform agenda to boost the supply of all housing, and increase housing and homelessness supports for vulnerable communities, including people with disability.
This includes the proposed National Housing and Homelessness Plan, which is expected to provide a shared national vision for tackling Australia’s housing challenges and support those experiencing housing stress and homelessness.
The National Plan is currently under development and is subject to negotiation between the Australian Government and state and territory governments. It is expected the Plan will be released later in 2024 and it is anticipated that the Plan:
- will focus on supporting all individuals regardless of their characteristics or background
- will not prioritise different cohorts in recognition of the large degree of intersectionality and diversity among individuals and households, but will acknowledge that some groups, including people with disability, face additional barriers and need additional or targeted responses; and
- is built on all governments’ commitment to prioritising the needs of those people who need housing and homelessness assistance the most, in recognition of the flexibility required to support people in a way which recognises the uniqueness of an individual’s circumstances, needs and experiences.
More recommendations
View progress on other recommendations made by the Royal Commission.