The Australian Institute of Health & Welfare has published its report titled Housing assistance in Australia 2017 which provides up-to-date information relating to government funded provision of social housing, rent assistance, home purchase assistance and support services to help households maintain their tenancies.

Secure and affordable housing is fundamental to the wellbeing of all Australians. It provides a platform for many of life’s benefits, including stable employment, connection to the community and a sense of home. Unfortunately, many Australians are not able to access affordable, suitable housing with their own economic and social resources. Assistance provided by governments and community organisations is available to eligible Australians who may have difficulties securing stable and affordable housing – this support is collectively referred to as housing assistance.

Key findings in the report include:

• 845,400 tenants lived in social housing in 2016
• 194,600 households were on social housing waiting lists in 2016

For further details on the AIHW report click here.