Victoria ‘desperately behind’ on affordable housing, data shows

One state is falling “desperately behind” in building affordable houses, new data reveals.

Victoria has cemented its place as the worst state for affordable housing.

Council to Homeless Persons chief executive Deborah Di Natale says new data shows Victoria is “desperately behind” the rest of the country on public and community housing.

The latest figures from the federal Australian Institute of Health and Welfare show Victoria has about 30 per cent more people asking for help from homelessness services than NSW or Queensland.

It is estimated more than 30,000 people are homeless on Victorian streets every single night. Picture: NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

Victoria also has the lowest amount of social housing as a proportion of total housing stock in Australia, with just 2.8 per cent of dwellings being public or community housing.

“Rising rents and low vacancy rates are pushing people to the brink of homelessness,” Ms Di Natale said.

“While some economic indicators show inflation is moderating, it’s clear from these figures the housing crisis is actually getting worse.”

Victorian Housing Minister Harriet Shing is fast-tracking some new housing projects through the approvals process. Picture: NewsWire / Nicki Connolly

This month the state government announced a fast-tracked application to build a 62-apartment, 14 storey block of affordable homes in Melbourne’s southeastern suburb of Frankston.

“A safe, secure home is the first step in connecting people with the jobs, education, and services they need,” Housing Minister Harriet Shing said.

Less than three in every 100 Victorian houses is public or community housing, the lowest rate in the country. Picture: NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

The government has also committed $48m over three years to get 500 families long-term housing and social support. The funding goes to eight agencies, including Melbourne City Mission and Sacred Heart Mission.

But data shows homelessness is getting more prevalent.

Homelessness in Victoria rose 24 per cent at the last census to more than 30,000 people being without a home on census night in 2021.

In March, there were 58,459 applications for public and community housing on the waiting list.

Originally published as Victoria ‘desperately behind’ on affordable housing, data shows