News

Family and domestic violence is the leading cause of homelessness for women and children in Australia. Rising rents, low vacancy rates and the decline of social housing stock mean that women leaving violence face a private rental market that is largely inaccessible, and a social housing waitlist that can stretch for years.

Attendees at previous Australian Homelessness Conferences told us they wanted to hear more from researchers, and how research can be tailored to work with the sector, rather than dictating to it. We listened. 

Demand for homelessness services keeps outpacing supply, with workforce shortages, high caseloads, and limited after-hours capacity stretching the sector thin. AI offers real opportunities to close these gaps, and  some services are already deploying it to extend reach and build capability.

National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People Sue-Anne Hunter will deliver her Australian Homelessness Conference 2026 keynote address at a landmark moment for First Nations children and young people.

The biennial Australian Homelessness Conference returns on 7–8 October at the Darwin Convention Centre to tackle the growing issue of housing insecurity in Australia, around a powerful theme: Disrupting the narrative.