Submission to Senate Inquiry into the Homelessness Bill

This document is a submission made in 2013 by the APS to the Senate Standing Committees on Community Affairs Inquiry into the Homelessness Bill 2013.

From a psychological perspective, adequate safe and secure housing is essential to both individual and community wellbeing, and provides a foundation for individuals and families to develop a sense of identity and belonging.

The APS affirms that access to appropriate, affordable, safe and sustainable housing is a human right, not just an aspiration. The APS recommends a ‘Housing First’ approach which provides rapid rehousing of homeless individuals and families in independent, long term, affordable and sustainable housing, with properly funded services being provided beforehand and afterwards to enable those affected to work though problems that could jeopardise their housing stability (e.g., mental health, drug and alcohol counselling, employment support).

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