AASW’s Policy Position on Housing and Homelessness

The principles and aspirations of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international

covenants focus on the right to adequate, appropriate and affordable housing. The right of

individuals and families to have social connections and a sense of place is recognised by the World

Health Organisation as a social determinant of health (Lonne, 2008). The AASW states a commitment to Social Justice and Human Rights in our Code of Ethics, the most basic of these being the right to stable, safe and appropriate shelter and housing. The AASW works to maintain awareness of the wider systemic links between homelessness, mental health, family violence, and other public health issues.

The AASW has advocated for

• the formulation and implementation of an integrated homelessness policy, based upon effectively integrated planning and community development;
• the development of an integrated national affordable housing strategy to reduce the number of homeless Australians;
• an urgent increase in the supply of affordable rental housing and the reform of rental assistance;
• the promotion of private sector investment in low cost housing; and,
• a focus on housing issues within a framework of urban and regional design that addresses issues facing people on low incomes in areas of economic disadvantage (AASW, 2008).

Submissions in progress: Inquiry into Homelessness in Australia

Position Statements

Policy Submissions

Media Releases

Other relevant documents