Action on housing can provide hope and homes

When it comes to mental health and wellbeing we often talk about hope. The benefits of having something to look forward to, something or someone to connect with, the importance of being part of a community, and somewhere to feel safe and supported.

The fact that so many Australians are hoping for a home to help provide that foundation, is why the current housing crisis, and ensuing political debate, is so important to resolve… and resolve quickly.

At least 31,000 people across Australia living with mental ill-health are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness and have an unmet need for long-term housing. Many more people with experience of mental ill-health are living in unsuitable accommodation, and over 2,000 are stuck in institutional care because other accommodation is not available.

The Government’s commitments to improving supply of affordable housing are welcome, yet the next steps seem stuck in the political system while people lose hope day-by-day. Stuck in the system while the Reserve Bank of Australia prepares to meet next Tuesday to discuss interest rates, again.

Our colleagues at the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare say, “a person is described as at risk of homelessness if they are at risk of losing their accommodation, or they are experiencing one or more of a range of factors or triggers that can contribute to homelessness.”

At the top of the list of those 20 factors are ‘financial stress’, ‘housing affordability’ and the ‘availability’ of appropriate housing.

At Mental Health Australia we continue to advocate for increased availability of appropriate housing for those in need. Appropriate housing that is a critical foundation for people to participate in society, contribute economically, and recover and maintain good mental health.

We also know that wrap-around support is needed for people with complex challenges, including experience of trauma and mental ill-health, to maintain housing and live well in the community.

The shortfalls in such supported housing places, and homelessness services for people with severe mental illness, were well documented in the Productivity Commission Inquiry into Mental Health. A report that was handed to the then Government three years ago today!

While two years ago in our most recent Census the Australian Bureau of Statistics listed 122,494 people as “experiencing homelessness”. A staggering 23% of those without a home were aged 12 to 24.

And just last week NSW recorded an increase of 36% in people sleeping rough compared to last year. The same week where 1,500 people nationwide raised awareness, and more than $8.5 million dollars at the Vinnies Sleepout to help end homelessness.

There is no doubt the community is aware of the current housing crisis, and the many factors that contribute to homelessness. This is no longer an awareness campaign. This is about action.

The upcoming National Housing and Homelessness Plan is one step towards action, aiming to help more Australians access safe and affordable housing by highlighting short, medium and long term reforms to address the housing crisis.

It provides us with some hope, but as the debate continues, and cost-of-living pressures compound, we need action to ensure hope can turn into homes for those who need it most.

 

Have a nice weekend. 

Carolyn Nikoloski
CEO, Mental Health Australia

Psychosocial disability and NDIS in the news

In an interview this week, Minister for the NDIS Bill Shorten discussed government modelling estimating the number of NDIS participants could be 27,000 less in 2026-27 than initially forecast. The Minister said this was expected to be due largely to increasing supports outside the NDIS, so less people need to enter the Scheme (and not about “booting off” any current participants). 

The Minister continued to emphasise the gap in community mental health services outside the NDIS, and the role for all levels of government to address this. 

Mental Health Australia strongly supports government action to address the gap in community mental health services outside the NDIS. As the Productivity Commission estimated, 154,000 people cannot access the psychosocial supports they need under current arrangements. Mental Health Australia also continues to call for improvements to NDIS access for people with psychosocial disability who need the support of the Scheme, as eligibility rates for people with psychosocial disability continue to be lower than applicants with other primary disabilities. 

While an article discussed this modelling in relation to people with psychosocial disability, the National Disability Insurance Agency has advised Mental Health Australia that:

• The media reporting reflects a reduction in the ‘projected numbers’ of participants in 2026/27, anticipated as a result of reforms introduced in the recent Federal Budget to improve outcomes for participants. There is a small change to future projections from previously published projections.
• The initiatives outlined in the budget, which the NDIA is working with the disability community and with participants to undertake detailed design and implementation of, are expected to lead to more consistent decision-making from the NDIA, with a stronger focus on inclusion in the community and better outcomes for NDIS participants.
• No disability cohort is the specific focus on the reforms.
• There is no consideration of changes to NDIS eligibility criteria in the NDIA’s initiatives from the 2023/24 Budget. Government has made it clear the Scheme will continue to grow and remain demand driven.

NDIS Review invites feedback through “What we have heard report”
This week, the NDIS Review also released a report on what they have heard through consultations so far. The report outlines 5 major challenges, including the NDIS being an “oasis in the dessert”, and 10 areas for improvement. The NDIS Review Panel are inviting you to “have your say” on the way forward, with responses due 25 August. Mental Health Australia will be providing a further submission to this review.