Senate Economics References Committee Inquiry into Social Housing submission
2 October 2026
A shortage of safe and affordable housing is not simply a housing issue; it is a serious safety issue. Access to social housing is vital for victim survivors who are escaping family violence.
The current shortage of affordable, fit for purpose and secure housing is having negative economic and social consequences for victim survivors of family violence. It limits victim survivors’ ability to safely leave violence, increases their risk of homelessness and housing instability, prolongs trauma and increases reliance on overstretched crisis services.
Social housing must be recognised as a critical component of family violence response. This requires sustained investment to increase the supply of safe, affordable, fit-for-purpose and secure housing.
The scale of the social housing shortage requires a significant increase in supply. At least 83,000 additional social homes are needed for family violence victim survivors in Victoria.
Page last updated 6 October 2026.
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