The Times Australia
The Times World News

.

Why local councils are the missing link in Australia's efforts to end homelessness

  • Written by Leanne Mitchell, Churchill Fellow and PhD candidate, Charles Sturt University
Cover of report Everybody's Business

Homelessness in Australia is getting worse[1]. It’s no longer just city centres where people are forced to sleep rough, live in their cars or rely on temporary shelter. The most recent census shows[2] outer suburbs and regional areas are feeling housing pressures like never before.

More often than not, communities in these areas just don’t know what to do. Increasingly, residents are asking small, stretched local councils to go beyond their traditional responsibilities of rates, roads and rubbish[3] and do more to tackle homelessness.

Yet local government lacks the mandate or the money to do so. Often, the only tool at local councils’ disposal is enforcement of local laws on behaviour in public places.

And when councils do get involved in the problem of homelessness, it’s often too late. They are reacting when homelessness has reached crisis point, instead of working to prevent it.

Cover of report Everybody's Business
The author’s report, Everybody’s Business. Winston Churchill Trust/Leanne Mitchell[4]

Now, with the federal government developing Australia’s first National Housing and Homelessness Plan[5], there is growing recognition that state and federal governments must give their local counterparts a seat at the table. My new report[6] on what local government can do to end homelessness suggests councils — more than 500 of them across the country — could be the missing link in efforts to solve the homelessness crisis.

As the closest level of government to the people, councils have a unique perspective on homelessness that other levels of government are just too far away to see. Executed properly, this national plan could be the biggest opportunity we have ever seen to not only address homelessness, but also for local councils to help prevent the problem at its roots.

Read more: Homeless numbers have jumped since COVID housing efforts ended – and the problem is spreading beyond the big cities[7]

Housing everyone isn’t a simple task

The causes and manifestations of homelessness are complex. We know from experience that it can’t be “fixed” by the action of one group. Collaboration in key.

We also know Australia needs more social and affordable housing. As of June 2022, there were 174,624 households[8] on waiting lists for public housing, 13,724 for Indigenous housing and 41,906 for community housing. And the waiting lists don’t include everyone[9] who needs housing.

But houses can’t be built overnight. Even with the best efforts to increase the supply of social housing, we will likely remain in deficit for a long time. This is why we need local government involvement to prevent homelessness in the first place.

Yet too often we see reluctant councils explaining that homelessness is not their issue to solve. But, when we see it on local streets, in public parks and other shared spaces, this is a flimsy argument.

People sleeping rough on the pavement outside Flinders Street Station
Local councils are often best placed to identify people at risk before they end up sleeping on the streets. Leanne Mitchell, Author provided

Read more: 'Getting onto the wait list is a battle in itself': insiders on what it takes to get social housing[10]

We can learn from the successes overseas

Prevention is tricky. It takes many partners and many types of effort to implement, and it is difficult to measure. But, as my report[11] shows, we can learn from the successful efforts of local governments overseas.

For example, in less than ten years, Newcastle City Council in the UK has prevented homelessness in more than 24,000 households[12]. It has achieved this by working with local government workers and services to identify the triggers leading to homelessness and the opportunities to intervene before a person loses their home.

And in US cities, including San Francisco, Washington DC and Baltimore, social workers and people with past experience of homelessness, mental ill-health and drug and alcohol use are successfully working[13] in public libraries to help people at risk access support and services.

Identifying potential homelessness before it turns into crisis is something that well-connected and informed Australian council workers can do too. Working deeply in communities, they often know their customers and can see early warning signs.

Concerted efforts are needed to educate local council workers so they know how to connect into specialist services that might help someone find housing, get emergency funds to cover bills, or access health services. These actions could stop homelessness before it happens.

Read more: Councils' help with affordable housing shows how local government can make a difference[14]

But, first, councils need to be part of the plan

The federal government seems to have taken on board recommendations from the 2021 parliamentary inquiry into homelessness[15] in Australia and identified local government as an untapped resource and partner.

A national plan that recognises and defines the unique contribution that local councils can make to preventing homelessness, and puts some money behind it, could be a game-changer.

Local government does not have to be the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff, or the cleaning crew.

If councils are truly recognised, ready and resourced to take on this role in preventing homelessness, it might also reduce the amount of social, temporary and emergency housing needed further along the line. It might even bring about an end to homelessness in Australia.

References

  1. ^ getting worse (theconversation.com)
  2. ^ census shows (www.abs.gov.au)
  3. ^ rates, roads and rubbish (theconversation.com)
  4. ^ Winston Churchill Trust/Leanne Mitchell (www.churchilltrust.com.au)
  5. ^ National Housing and Homelessness Plan (www.dss.gov.au)
  6. ^ report (www.churchilltrust.com.au)
  7. ^ Homeless numbers have jumped since COVID housing efforts ended – and the problem is spreading beyond the big cities (theconversation.com)
  8. ^ 174,624 households (www.nhfic.gov.au)
  9. ^ don’t include everyone (theconversation.com)
  10. ^ 'Getting onto the wait list is a battle in itself': insiders on what it takes to get social housing (theconversation.com)
  11. ^ my report (www.churchilltrust.com.au)
  12. ^ more than 24,000 households (www.newcastle.gov.uk)
  13. ^ successfully working (www.churchilltrust.com.au)
  14. ^ Councils' help with affordable housing shows how local government can make a difference (theconversation.com)
  15. ^ parliamentary inquiry into homelessness (www.aph.gov.au)

Read more https://theconversation.com/why-local-councils-are-the-missing-link-in-australias-efforts-to-end-homelessness-205216

Times Magazine

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Science Behind Reverse Osmosis and Why It Matters

What is reverse osmosis? Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water purification process that removes contaminants by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane. This membrane allows only water molecules to pass through while blocking impurities such as...

The Times Features

The Role of Your GP in Creating a Chronic Disease Management Plan That Works

Living with a long-term condition, whether that is diabetes, asthma, arthritis or heart disease, means making hundreds of small decisions every day. You plan your diet against m...

Troubleshooting Flickering Lights: A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners

Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik Effectively addressing flickering lights in your home is more than just a matter of convenience; it's a pivotal aspect of both home safety and en...

My shins hurt after running. Could it be shin splints?

If you’ve started running for the first time, started again after a break, or your workout is more intense, you might have felt it. A dull, nagging ache down your shins after...

Metal Roof Replacement Cost Per Square Metre in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide for Australian Homeowners

In recent years, the trend of installing metal roofs has surged across Australia. With their reputation for being both robust and visually appealing, it's easy to understand thei...

Why You’re Always Adjusting Your Bra — and What to Do Instead

Image by freepik It starts with a gentle tug, then a subtle shift, and before you know it, you're adjusting your bra again — in the middle of work, at dinner, even on the couch. I...

How to Tell If Your Eyes Are Working Harder Than They Should Be

Image by freepik Most of us take our vision for granted—until it starts to let us down. Whether it's squinting at your phone, rubbing your eyes at the end of the day, or feeling ...