Welcome to National Shelter
We aim improve housing access, affordability, appropriateness, safety and security for people on low incomes. Since 1976, National Shelter has worked towards this goal by influencing government policy and action, and by raising public awareness about housing issues.
Housing
Supply
A large number of Australian households struggle to access secure, affordable housing. In 2007, more than one million low- and moderate-income households were in ‘housing stress’, paying more than 30% of their income on housing. Over 100,000 Australians were homeless on the night of the 2006 census. Without assistance, these households will continue to suffer from poverty and disadvantage.
Our advocacy aims to influence policy, legislative, funding and service delivery decisions within political, economic, and social systems and institutions. Advocacy includes media campaigns, public speaking, commissioning and publishing research to promote public debate and awareness.
Meeting
Housing Needs
It’s not enough to just put money into housing programs. This money has to be well spent. Policies, programs and legislative arrangements need to be set up which best serve the needs of low-income households. Programs need to ensure that housing is affordable, adequate, secure, accessible, well-located and responsive to changing needs.
As part of its work, National Shelter has carried out research and consultation on issues of concern to low-income households. Pieces of work issued between 2009 and 2011 were funded by the Commonwealth Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA).
Making Liveable Environments
Good housing doesn’t stop at the front door. It is important that housing is located in communities which are good places to live, within easy reach of transport, employment, education and essential services.
National Shelter has been active in promoting good policies for urban and regional development, and in drawing the connections between urban planning and housing affordability and quality.
Latest Publications
Media Releases
Fictional premise and factional omissions undermine Productivity Commission’s housing recommendations in choice in human services report
Fictional premise and factional omissions undermine Productivity Commission's housing recommendations in choice in
Time for real leadership from Govt on housing ahead of budget 2017
Housing policy peak National Shelter has challenged the Federal Government to be bold
New Rental Affordability Index shows dire picture for Australian households
Australia’s first ever Rental Affordability Index reveals the depth and extremity of
Mini summit must tackle housing affordability
Media Release 1 October 2015 Peak body National Shelter calls on the
Proposed social rent models fail affordability test
National Shelte Media Release 15 September 2015 Affordable housing peak National Shelter
News
Fictional premise and factional omissions undermine Productivity Commission’s housing recommendations in choice in human services report
Fictional premise and factional omissions undermine Productivity Commission's housing recommendations in choice in
Submission to PC Introducing Competition and Informed User Choice into Human Services:
In our response to the draft Productivity Commission's Introducing Competition and Informed User Choice
May 2017 release of Rental Affordability Index – pensioners and working parents being priced out of rental
Pensioners and working parents have been priced out of the rental market in
Time for real leadership from Govt on housing ahead of budget 2017
Housing policy peak National Shelter has challenged the Federal Government to be bold