CENSUS 2016 TOPIC PAPER
Homelessness among at-risk Groups in Greater Western
Sydney
By Amy Lawton, Social Research and Information Officer, WESTIR Limited September 2019
Photo by Eric Ward from www.unsplash.com
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Table of contents (Click on the heading below to be taken straight to the relevant section)
Acronyms ............................................................................................................................ 3
Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 4
Summary of key findings.................................................................................................... 5
Regions and terms used in this paper ............................................................................... 7
Homelessness among at-risk groups in Greater Western Sydney ................................ 11
General characteristics of homeless population ............................................................... 11
Youth homelessness ....................................................................................................... 14
Older person’s homelessness ......................................................................................... 17
Women’s homelessness .................................................................................................. 19
Homelessness among TEI priority groups ....................................................................... 19
Indigenous homelessness ............................................................................................ 19
Homelessness among 0-3 year olds ............................................................................ 23
Homelessness among young parents .......................................................................... 25
CALD homelessness ....................................................................................................... 25
Homeless with a disability................................................................................................ 30
Student and worker homelessness .................................................................................. 33
Conclusion ........................................................................................................................ 35
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Acronyms ABS Australian Bureau of Statistics ACH Assistance with Care and Housing AHURI Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute ATSI Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander CALD Culturally and Linguistically Diverse CHSP Commonwealth Home Support Program CNOS Canadian National Occupancy Standard DFV Domestic and Family Violence FACS Department of Family and Community Services (NSW) GWS Greater Western Sydney LGA Local Government Area NDIS National Disability Insurance Scheme NSW New South Wales SA Statistical Area SBS Special Broadcasting Service TEI Targeted Earlier Intervention WESTIR Limited Western Sydney Regional Information and Research Service
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Introduction Since 1996, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has undertaken a special methodology
to estimate the number of homeless people in Australia on Census night. The methodology
has been revised over time, notably in 2011 where the cultural definition1 of homelessness
was endorsed, and the ABS subsequently changed the rules of who was identified as
homeless2.
In the 2016 Census, a number of additional features were added to the ABS homelessness
estimates to provide greater insights into the homeless population in a given area. The first
addition was the release of homelessness estimates on a Local Government Area (LGA)
level (rather than just the Statistical Areas (SAs) created by the ABS), making it easier for
findings to be presented, interpreted and acted upon at a local level. The second addition,
was that for the first time in 2016, the homelessness estimates were able to be cross-
tabulated with demographic variables (such as age, sex, Indigenous status and country of
birth) on a range of geographical levels. This data release through ABS TableBuilder Pro is
the premise of this Census topic paper.
WESTIR Limited has already released the 2016 Census Topic Paper called ‘Estimating
Homelessness in Greater Western Sydney’ showing an increase in homelessness in the
Greater Western Sydney (GWS) region over time3. Recent analysis by the Australian
Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI) has also noted increasing homelessness
rates westward of inner Sydney, with possible drivers including the rise of inner city
gentrification, housing unaffordability and precarious labour market conditions4.
The aim of this paper is to explore homelessness estimates for at-risk groups in GWS in
2016. Demographic variables will be used to explore the following types of homelessness:
• Youth homelessness;
• Older person’s homelessness;
• Women’s homelessness;
• Homelessness among the priority groups of the New South Wales (NSW)
Government’s Targeted Earlier Intervention (TEI) reform (including Indigenous
homelessness);
• Homelessness among culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) people;
• Homeless with a disability; and
• Student and worker homelessness.
1The cultural definition of homelessness by Chamberlain and MacKenzie (1992) is divided into the following categories:
primary, secondary and tertiary homelessness. This definition is not explicitly used by the ABS to define homelessness,
however it is used by the ABS to test the validity of its existing definition. Broadly, the ABS statistical definition of homelessness
is: “when a person does not have suitable accommodation alternatives, they are considered homeless if their current living
arrangement: (a) is in a dwelling that is inadequate, (b) has no tenure, or if their initial tenure is short and not extendable, or (c)
does not allow them to have control of, and access to space for social relations”. 2Chamberlain, C. & MacKenzie, D. 2014, ‘Definition and Counting: Where to now?’ in Chamberlain, C., Johnson, G. &
Robinson, C (eds), Homelessness in Australia: an introduction, New South Publishing, Sydney. 3In 2016, it was estimated that there were 14,147 homeless persons across the thirteen LGAs in GWS. The number of
homeless persons in GWS increased by 5,183 persons or 57.8% since 2011. The GWS homeless population grew at a faster
rate than the homeless population of Greater Sydney (+47.5%), NSW (+37.1%) and Australia (+13.7%). 4Parkinson, S., Batterham, D., Reynolds, M. & Wood, G. 2019, The changing geography of homelessness: a spatial analysis
from 2001 to 2016, AHURI, Melbourne.
5
Summary of key findings The main findings of this topic paper are:
• General characteristics: In 2016, it was estimated that 13,958 persons in GWS
were homeless on Census night. As a rate, approximately 60.9 persons per 10,000
were homeless in the region. Most homeless persons in GWS were male (58%),
aged 20-24 years old (14.3%) and living in ‘severely’ crowded dwellings (66.4%). The
highest number of total homeless persons were in Fairfield (2,002 persons), Auburn
(1,727 persons), Merrylands – Guildford (1,520 persons) and Canterbury (1,291
persons).
• Youth homelessness: An estimated 3,710 persons aged 12-24 years were
homeless in GWS on Census night in 2016. This equated to 26.6% of the region’s
homeless population and as a rate, 92.9 per 10,000 young people were homeless in
the region. Approximately 55% of homeless youth in GWS were male, 4.3% identified
as Indigenous and 58.5% were born overseas. Most young people in GWS
experiencing homelessness were living in ‘severely’ crowded dwellings (73.6%) or in
supported accommodation for the homeless (16.1%).
• Older person’s homelessness: An estimated 712 persons aged 65 years and over
were homeless in GWS on Census night in 2016. This equated to 5.1% of the
region’s homeless population and as a rate, 25.2 per 10,000 older people were
homeless in the region. Approximately 54% of homeless older people in GWS were
male, 1.0% identified as Indigenous and 76.7% were born overseas. Most older
people in GWS experiencing homelessness were living in ‘severely’ crowded
dwellings (41.6%) or living in supported accommodation for the homeless (33.4%),
• Women’s homelessness: In 2016, it was estimated that there were 4,477 working
age females who were homeless in GWS. This equated to 39.8% of the region’s
homeless population. In general, working age females were less likely to be
homeless than their male counterparts.
• Indigenous homelessness: An estimated 460 Indigenous persons were homeless
in GWS on Census night in 2016. This equated to 3.3% of the region’s homeless
population. As a rate, 110.0 per 10,000 Indigenous people were homeless in GWS,
much higher than the overall homeless rate (60.9 per 10,000). Most Indigenous
homeless persons were living in supported accommodation for the homeless (49.2%)
or in ‘severely’ crowded dwellings’ (30.3%).
• Homelessness among 0-3 year olds: An estimated 819 persons aged 0-3 years old
were homeless in GWS on Census night in 2016. This equated to 5.9% of the
region’s homeless population and as a rate, 62.1 per 10,000 people aged 0-3 years
old were homeless in the region. Approximately 52.0% of homeless 0-3 year olds
were male, 8.1% identified as Indigenous and most were living in ‘severely’ crowded
dwellings (66.9%).
6
• Homelessness among young parents: The ABS does not provide the variables
required to estimate homeless among young parents aged under 20 years in GWS.
However, it is assumed that a very small proportion of the 1,249 homeless persons
aged 15-19 years old on Census night in 2016 may have had child/ren.
• CALD homelessness: An estimated 8,975 persons who were homeless in GWS on
Census night in 2016 were born overseas. This equated to 64.3% of the region’s
homeless population and as a rate, 88.7 per 10,000 people born overseas were
homeless in the region. Most homeless persons who were born overseas in GWS
were male (61%), aged between 20-29 years old (31.0%) and living in ‘severely’
crowded dwellings (72.6%). Most had arrived in Australia between 2006 and 2015
(50.5%) and did not have Australian citizenship (54.5%). Of the homeless people
born overseas in GWS, most were born in South East Asia or the Middle East.
• Homeless with a disability: An estimated 794 homeless persons needed
assistance with core activities in GWS on Census night in 2016. This equated to
5.7% of the region’s homeless population and as a rate, 61.5 per 10,000 people
needing assistance were homeless in the region. Most homeless persons needing
assistance in GWS were living in ‘severely’ crowded dwellings (50.1%) or in
supported accommodation for the homeless (33.5%).
• Student and worker homelessness: In 2016, over a third of homeless persons in
GWS (37.7%) had an educational attainment of Year 12 or equivalent, 7.2% had a
bachelor degree qualification and 2.4% had a postgraduate degree qualification. Just
under a third of the homeless population in GWS were estimated to be employed
(either full time, part time or away from work) (31.8%) or were fully engaged in
employment, education and training (31.9%). The most common industries of
employment for homeless persons in GWS were construction, accommodation and
food services, and manufacturing. Approximately 7.7% of homeless persons in GWS
were attending a university or other tertiary institution. Most homeless university
students in the region were full time students aged 15-24 years old (58.3%) or 25
years and over (30.3%).
7
Regions and terms used in this paper The GWS region in this paper is constructed from geographical structures called Statistical
Area 3 (SA3s) in ABS TableBuilder Pro. These SA3s fall under seven larger regions called
SA4s which broadly cover GWS, but the SA3s allow the region to be defined in greater
detail. Overall, GWS is calculated from all SA3s in Table 1, except for Hurstville and
Kogarah-Rockdale SA3s as they fall outside the region. SA3 estimates are slightly different
from LGA estimates due to minor boundary differences, however, they are the best option in
TableBuilder Pro at this point in time (see Map 1).
Please note that this paper does not explore Lithgow and Wingecarribee areas which fall
under current NSW Department of Family and Community Services (FACS) districts but sit
outside GWS. For homelessness estimates among at-risk groups in Lithgow and
Wingecarribee, please contact WESTIR Limited.
Table 1: ABS Statistical Areas of GWS, 2016
Statistical Area (SA) 4 SA3
Sydney – Baulkham Hills • Baulkham Hills
• Dural – Wisemans Ferry
• Hawkesbury
• Rouse Hill – McGraths Hill
Sydney – Blacktown • Blacktown
• Blacktown – North
• Mount Druitt
Sydney – Inner South West • Bankstown
• Canterbury
• Hurstville
• Kogarah – Rockdale
Sydney – Outer South West • Camden
• Campbelltown
• Wollondilly
Sydney – Outer West and Blue Mountains
• Blue Mountains
• Blue Mountains – South
• Penrith
• Richmond – Windsor
• St Marys
Sydney – Parramatta • Auburn
• Carlingford
• Merrylands – Guildford
• Parramatta
Sydney – South West • Bringelly – Green Valley
• Fairfield
• Liverpool Source: ABS TableBuilder Pro
The total number of homeless persons for each at-risk group is calculated from the six
homelessness operational groups used by the ABS:
1. Persons living in improvised dwellings, tents, or sleeping out
2. Persons in supported accommodation for the homeless
3. Persons staying temporarily with other households
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4. Persons living in boarding houses
5. Persons in other temporary lodgings
6. Persons living in 'severely' crowded dwellings
The data for at-risk groups experiencing homelessness in this paper shows that many are
living in ‘severely’ crowded dwellings. While those in crowded dwellings may sit on a
continuum within marginalised housing, people in ‘severely’ crowded dwellings are
considered to be homeless because they do not have control of, or access to space for
social or personal relations. Severe and sustained overcrowding can also put the health and
safety of the occupants. Severely crowded conditions are operationalised in the ABS Census
as living in a dwelling which requires 4 or more extra bedrooms to accommodate the people
who usually live there, as defined by the Canadian National Occupancy Standard (CNOS).
The concept of crowding is based upon a comparison of the number of bedrooms in a
dwelling with a series of household demographics such as the number of usual residents,
their relationship to one another, their age and their sex. Operationalisation using ABS
Census data for overcrowding as homelessness at this severe level of 4 or more extra
bedrooms is designed to prevent the misclassification of people as homeless who may
choose to live together under some crowding to save money, to be close to family or for
other reasons5.
Under the operationalisation of the ABS definition, those in marginalised housing are not
classified as homeless but may be at risk of homelessness. Where required, the total
number of persons living in marginalised housing (that is, people in housing situations close
to the minimum standard) will also be presented in the paper. Those in marginalised housing
cover the following categories:
1. Persons living in other crowded dwellings (that is, those living in dwellings reported in
the Census requiring 3 extra bedrooms to accommodate them according to the
CNOS).
2. Persons in other improvised dwellings
3. Persons who are marginally housed in caravan parks
The following definitions are also used to define the at-risk groups used in this paper:
• Youth: defined as persons aged 12 to 24 years old.
• Older person: defined as persons aged 65 years and over.
• Women: defined as persons aged 15 years and over that are female.
• Indigenous: defined as those who identify as Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and
both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) origin. Those who are non-
Indigenous do not identify with any of the origins above. Overall, these terms have
been chosen for ease when comparing Census data between Indigenous and non-
Indigenous households and populations.
• Young parent: defined as persons aged under 20 years old who are raising children.
5For more information on overcrowding, please see the ABS website: https://bit.ly/33tbhPv
9
• Born overseas: defined as persons who were born anywhere except mainland
Australia. It includes Australian External Territories and Norfolk Island.
There are always limitations to ABS homelessness estimates, which are aggregated from
several Census responses rather than from direct questions asked to Census participants.
As with any estimate, there is the potential to under or over-estimate homelessness. This is
especially true for certain groups, such as ATSI people, for whom there is a known likely
undercount in the Census. The ABS has developed specific enumeration strategies for
whom a known undercount is likely to occur to reduce the rate of error. Strategies include
working with homeless service providers and using supplementary data sources to further
inform the estimates. In the case of this paper where a specific region is focused on,
homelessness estimates may be small and, therefore, must be used purely as an estimate.
Where estimates are small, particularly on a SA3 level, data has been left as raw numbers
rather than percentages or rates. They must, however, be read with the acknowledgement
that areas with higher homeless numbers often have higher total populations. Nevertheless,
the data presented provides a new insight into the demographic characteristics of homeless
people in GWS, with the hope that it will better inform service planning and policy in the
region.
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Map 1: Statistical Area 4 (SA4) and Statistical Area 3 (SA3) Boundaries, Greater Sydney, 2016
11
Homelessness among at-risk groups in Greater Western Sydney
General characteristics of homeless population Based on an aggregation of SA3s, it was estimated that 13,958 persons in GWS were
homeless on Census night in 2016. This equated to less than one percent of the total
population (0.6%), but as a rate, approximately 60.9 persons per 10,000 were homeless in
the region. In addition, an estimated 18,187 persons in GWS were living in marginalised
housing in 2016, also placing them at risk of homelessness (see Table 2).
Table 2: Homelessness estimates, GWS, 2016
Homelessness estimates, GWS, 2016
Total number Total
population % total
population
Rate per 10,000 people
Homeless persons (total) 13,958 2,290,785 0.6 60.9
Persons in marginalised housing (total) 18,187 2,290,785 0.8 79.4
Total 32,143 2,290,785 1.4 140.3 Source: ABS Census of Population and Housing 2016, Tablebuilder Pro, Counting persons, Estimating Homelessness.
Most homeless persons in GWS were male (58%) and aged 20-24 years old (14.3%).
Similar trends for sex and age also occurred for persons living in marginalised housing (see
Figure 1).
Figure 1: Age distribution, persons who were homeless or in marginalised housing, GWS, 2016
Source: ABS Census of Population and Housing 2016, Tablebuilder Pro, Counting persons, Estimating Homelessness.
When looking at homeless operational groups, most homeless persons in GWS were living
in ‘severely’ crowded dwellings (66.4%). Approximately 17.2% lived in supported
accommodation for the homeless, 9.1% were staying temporarily with other households,
7.2
6.5
5.7
8.9
14.3
12.8
9.3
7.3
5.9
5.5
4.9
4.0
2.7
5.1
7.9 8.1
7.2
10.3
15.8
13.0
7.9
5.5
5.2 5.4
4.5
3.5
2.0
3.8
0.0
2.0
4.0
6.0
8.0
10.0
12.0
14.0
16.0
18.0
0-4years
5-9years
10-14years
15-19years
20-24years
25-29years
30-34years
35-39years
40-44years
45-49years
50-54years
55-59years
60-64years
65yearsandover
Perc
en
t (%
)
Age
Age distribution, persons who were homeless or in marginalised housing, GWS, 2016
Homeless persons (%) Persons in marginalised housing (%)
12
5.1% were living in boarding houses, 2.1% were living in improvised dwellings, tents or
sleeping out, and 0.2% were in other temporary lodgings (see Figure 2).
Figure 2: Types of by homelessness by homeless operational groups, GWS, 2016
Source: ABS Census of Population and Housing 2016, Tablebuilder Pro, Counting persons, Estimating Homelessness.
Most persons living in marginalised housing in GWS in 2016 were living in ‘other’ crowded
dwellings (96.3%). Please contact WESTIR Limited for the full dataset.
Figure 3 shows the distribution of people who were homeless or in marginalised housing
across GWS SA3s in 2016. The highest number of total homeless persons were in Fairfield
(2,002 persons), Auburn (1,727 persons), Merrylands – Guildford (1,520 persons) and
Canterbury (1,291 persons).
The concentration of homelessness types varied across the GWS SA3s in 2016. Overall:
• Merrylands – Guildford had the highest number of persons living in improvised
dwellings, tents or sleeping out (41 persons);
• Campbelltown had the highest number in supported accommodation for the
homeless (358 persons) and those staying temporarily with other households (152
persons);
• Auburn had the highest number of persons living in boarding houses (142 persons);
• Numbers for other temporary lodgings were very small, however, the highest number
appeared to be in Bankstown (10 persons).
• Fairfield had the highest number of persons living in ‘severely’ crowded dwellings
(1,558 persons).
Persons living in improvised
dwellings, tents, or sleeping out, 2.1%
Persons in supported
accommodation for the homeless,
17.2%
Persons staying temporarily with
other households, 9.1%
Persons living in boarding houses,
5.1%
Persons in other temporary
lodgings, 0.2%
Persons living in 'severely' crowded dwellings, 66.4%
Types of homelessness by homeless operational groups, GWS, 2016
13
When looking at marginalised housing, the highest numbers of persons living in ‘other’
crowded dwellings and other improvised dwellings were in Fairfield (2,886 persons and 60
persons respectively). The highest number of persons marginally housed in caravan parks
were in Blacktown – North (67 persons). Please contact WESTIR Limited for the full dataset
of homeless operational groups by SA3 in GWS in 2016.
Figure 3: Distribution of persons who were homeless or in marginalised housing by Statistical Area 3 (SA3), GWS, 2016
Source: ABS Census of Population and Housing 2016, Tablebuilder Pro, Counting persons, Estimating Homelessness.
The remainder of this paper will explore homelessness specifically for at-risk groups,
including youth, older people, women, TEI priority groups (including Indigenous), CALD
communities, those with a disability, and student and worker populations.
212
65 81
24
789
154
613
1055 1291
51
931
64 166
3
604
188
261
1727
167
1520
929
466
2002
600
240
116
98 117
984
282
1167
1598
1813
77
815
136
105
0
281
133 299
2305
151
2020
1043
653
2977
778
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
Nu
mb
er
of
pers
on
s
SA3
Distribution of persons who were homeless or in marginalised housing by Statistical Area 3 (SA3), GWS, 2016
Homeless persons (total) Persons in marginalised housing (total)
14
Youth homelessness In 2016, it was estimated that 3,710 persons aged 12-24 years were homeless in GWS on
Census night. This equated to 26.6% of the region’s homeless population and less than one
percent (0.9%) of the youth population. As a rate, approximately 92.9 per 10,000 young
people were homeless in GWS. It should be noted that an estimated 5,511 young people in
GWS were living in marginalised housing in 2016, also placing them at risk of homelessness
(see Table 3).
Table 3: Homelessness estimates, persons aged 12-24 years old, GWS, 2016
Homelessness estimates, persons aged 12-24 years old, GWS, 2016
Number Total
homeless persons
Total population
(12-24 years old)
% homeless
% youth population
(12-24 years old)
Rate per
10,000 young people
Homeless persons (total) 3,710 13,958 399,415 26.6 0.9 92.9
Persons in marginalised housing (total) 5,511 18,187 399,415 30.3 1.4 138.0
Total 9,222 32,143 399,415 28.7 2.3 230.9 Source: ABS Census of Population and Housing 2016, Tablebuilder Pro, Counting persons, Estimating Homelessness.
Most young people in GWS experiencing homelessness were living in ‘severely’ crowded
dwellings (73.6%) or in supported accommodation for the homeless (16.1%). Less than one
per cent (0.9%) were living in improvised dwellings, tents or sleeping out (commonly referred
to as ‘sleeping rough’) (see Figure 4).
Figure 4: Types of homelessness by homeless operational groups, persons aged 12-24 years old, GWS, 2016
Source: ABS Census of Population and Housing 2016, Tablebuilder Pro, Counting persons, Estimating Homelessness. Most young people in marginalised housing in GWS were living in ‘other’ crowded dwellings
(98.0%). Please contact WESTIR Limited for further information on this dataset.
Persons living in improvised
dwellings, tents, or sleeping out,
0.9%
Persons in supported
accommodation for the homeless,
16.1%
Persons staying temporarily with
other households, 6.8%
Persons living in boarding houses,
2.7%
Persons in other temporary
lodgings, 0.1%
Persons living in 'severely' crowded dwellings, 73.6%
Types of homelessness by homeless operational groups, persons aged 12-24 years old, GWS, 2016
15
Table 4 shows some demographic characteristics of persons aged 12-24 years old who
were homeless in GWS in 2016. There were more young males in the region (55%) who
were homeless than young females (45%). Approximately 4.3% of the homeless youth in
GWS identified as Indigenous, higher than the Indigenous rate for the region’s youth
population (2.8%).
Most homeless youth in GWS were born overseas (58.5%), with the largest numbers from
Afghanistan (287 persons), India (223 persons), New Zealand (202 persons), Pakistan (173
persons), Vietnam (148 persons) and Iraq (132 persons). This may be linked with citizenship
status and the ability of migrant communities in accessing homeless services. This will be
discussed further in a later section.
Table 4: Demographic characteristics, persons aged 12-24 years old, homeless or in marginalised housing, GWS, 2016
Demographic characteristics, persons aged 12-24 years old, homeless or in marginalised housing, GWS, 2016
Homeless persons
Persons in marginalised housing
Total number (12-24 years old) 3,710 5,511
% male 55 56
% female 45 44
% Indigenous 4.3 1.6
% born in Australia 41.6 45.1
% born overseas 58.5 54.8 Source: ABS Census of Population and Housing 2016, Tablebuilder Pro, Counting persons, Estimating Homelessness.
Estimates also reveal that homeless numbers generally increase as young people in GWS
enter adulthood (that is, 18 years of age) and get older. Most young people in GWS who
were homeless were aged 21 years (416 persons), with similar trends seen for young people
living in marginalised housing (see Figure 5). This trend highlights the vulnerability of some
young people to homelessness when they are old enough to leave the family home, due to
factors such as limited and unaffordable housing options, lack of family support or stability,
and precarious employment conditions6.
Figure 6 shows the distribution of young people who were homeless or in marginalised
housing across GWS SA3s in 2016. The highest numbers of homeless youth in the region
were in Fairfield (521 persons), Auburn (454 persons), Merrylands – Guildford (442
persons), Canterbury (322 persons) and Bankstown (269 persons). These areas, which are
home to a large proportion of the region’s culturally and linguistically diverse communities,
further highlight the issue of homelessness among youth from non-Australian backgrounds.
6Johnson, G. & Chamberlain, C. 2014, ‘Young People’ in Chamberlain, C., Johnson, G. & Robinson, C (eds), Homelessness in Australia: an introduction, New South Publishing, Sydney.
16
Figure 5: Age distribution, persons aged 12-24 years old, homeless or in marginalised housing, GWS, 2016
Source: ABS Census of Population and Housing 2016, Tablebuilder Pro, Counting persons, Estimating Homelessness.
Figure 6: Distribution of persons aged 12-24 years old who were homeless or in marginalised housing by Statistical Area 3 (SA3), GWS, 2016
Source: ABS Census of Population and Housing 2016, Tablebuilder Pro, Counting persons, Estimating Homelessness.
15
3
15
1
16
5
17
7 21
1
20
6
29
7 35
3
37
1 41
6
38
1 41
3
41
7
25
4
27
2
24
3
31
5
31
7
27
8
46
3 50
2
56
4 60
6
59
6
57
7
52
9
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Nu
mb
er
of
pers
on
s
Age
Age distribution, persons aged 12-24 years old, homeless or in marginalised housing, GWS, 2016
Homeless persons (total) Persons in marginalised housing (total)
79
20
21
0
204
29
182
269 3
22
13
264
6 23
0
166
55 9
3
454
43
442
231
123
521
154
126
22
18
19
282
105
383
538 583
24
252
24
23
0
102
47
111
652
29
698
284
197
753
236
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Nu
mb
er
of
pers
on
s
SA3
Distribution of persons aged 12-24 years old who were homeless or in marginal housing by Statistical Area 3 (SA3), GWS, 2016
Homeless persons (total) Persons in marginalised housing (total)
17
Older person’s homelessness In 2016, it was estimated that 712 persons aged 65 years and over were homeless in GWS
on Census night. This equated to 5.1% of the region’s homeless population and a very small
percentage of the overall population of older people (0.3%). As a rate, approximately 25.2
per 10,000 older people were homeless in GWS. It should be noted that around 693 older
people in GWS were living in marginalised housing in 2016, also placing them at risk of
homelessness (see Table 5).
Table 5: Homelessness estimates, persons aged 65 years and over, GWS, 2016
Homelessness estimates, persons aged 65 years and over, GWS, 2016
Number Total
homeless persons
Total population (65 years and over)
% homeless
% older population (65 years and over)
Rate per
10,000 older
people
Homeless persons (total) 712 13,958 282,913 5.1 0.3 25.2
Persons in marginalised housing (total) 693 18,187 282,913 3.8 0.2 24.5
Total 1,407 32,143 282,913 4.4 0.5 49.7 Source: ABS Census of Population and Housing 2016, Tablebuilder Pro, Counting persons, Estimating Homelessness. Most older people in GWS experiencing homelessness were living in ‘severely’ crowded
dwellings (41.6%). In saying that, just over a third were also living in supported
accommodation for the homeless7 (33.4%). Approximately 10.7% were living in boarding
houses and 10.1% were staying temporarily with other households (often commonly referred
to as ‘couch surfing’) (see Figure 7).
Figure 7: Types of homelessness by homeless operational groups, persons aged 65 years and over, GWS, 2016
Source: ABS Census of Population and Housing 2016, Tablebuilder Pro, Counting persons, Estimating Homelessness.
7The notable proportion of older people in supported accommodation is most likely linked to government services specifically
established to address homelessness among older people. This is called the Assistance with Care and Housing (ACH) sub-
program under the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP). For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/2XkoFF5
Persons living in improvised
dwellings, tents, or sleeping out,
2.5%
Persons in supported
accommodation for the homeless,
33.4%
Persons staying temporarily with
other households,
10.1%
Persons living in boarding
houses, 10.7%
Persons in other temporary
lodgings, 0.4%
Persons living in 'severely' crowded
dwellings, 41.6%
Types of homelessness by homeless operational groups, persons aged 65 years and over, GWS, 2016
18
Most older people in marginalised housing in GWS were living in ‘other’ crowded dwellings
(80.8%). Please contact WESTIR Limited for further information on this dataset.
Table 6 shows some demographic characteristics of persons aged 65 years and over who
were homeless in GWS in 2016. There were more older males in the region (54%) who were
homeless than older females (46%). Approximately, 1.0% of the homeless older people in
GWS identified as Indigenous, slightly higher than the Indigenous rate for the region’s older
population (0.7%). Most homeless older people in GWS were born overseas (76.7%), with
the largest numbers from Vietnam (75 persons), China (53 persons) and Iraq (36 persons).
Table 6: Demographic characteristics, persons aged 65 years and over, homeless or in marginalised housing, GWS, 2016
Demographic characteristics, persons aged 65 years and over, homeless or in marginalised housing, GWS, 2016
Homeless persons Persons in marginalised housing
Total number (65 years and over) 712 693
% male 54 46
% female 46 54
% Indigenous 1.0 1.3
% born in Australia 23.3 18.3
% born overseas 76.7 81.5 Source: ABS Census of Population and Housing 2016, Tablebuilder Pro, Counting persons, Estimating Homelessness. Figure 8 shows the distribution of older people who were homeless or in marginalised
housing across GWS SA3s in 2016. The highest numbers of homeless older people in the
region were in Fairfield (174 persons), Canterbury (63 persons), Liverpool (57 persons) and
Penrith (56 persons).
Figure 8: Distribution of persons aged 65 years and over who were homeless or in marginal housing by Statistical Area 3 (SA3), GWS, 2016
Source: ABS Census of Population and Housing 2016, Tablebuilder Pro, Counting persons, Estimating Homelessness.
11
4
13
3
28
11 1
7
52
63
5
38
5
10
0
56
23
14
34
8
48
26
18
174
57
13 16 18 20 24
40
34 38
50
7
25
17
4 0
25
8 7
37
14
53
18 2
6
166
38
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
Nu
mb
er
of
pers
on
s
SA3
Distribution of persons aged 65 years and over who were homeless or in marginal housing by Statistical Area 3 (SA3), GWS, 2016
Homeless persons (total) Persons in marginalised housing (total)
19
The pathways into ‘later-life homelessness’ are varied but rates have been increasing over
time8. Studies have shown major differences between those who become homelessness
earlier in life and those who become homeless later in life. Those who experience
homelessness earlier in life were more likely to be men, been homeless for three years or
more, never married nor worked regularly, and have reported drug and alcohol and mental
health problems. By contrast, the lives of first-time homeless at a later age often had long
periods of stable employment and housing. These individuals experienced circumstances in
later life such as significant health problems, relationship breakdown and loss of
accommodation that left them with insufficient resources to maintain independent housing.
Overall, there have been five themes identified which characterise the pathways into older
age homelessness: structural and systemic disadvantage during life course, vulnerabilities
associated with older age, critical incidents or triggers, role of public policy and housing
system, and older homelessness among specific social groups9.
Women’s homelessness In 2016, it was estimated that there were 4,477 working age females who were homeless in
GWS. This equated to 39.8% of the region’s homeless population, but only 0.5% of total
working age females in GWS. In general, working age females were less likely to be
homeless than their male counterparts. In addition, approximately 6,228 working age
females in GWS in 2016 that were marginally housed, placing them at high risk of
homelessness. For a more in-depth analysis of women’s homelessness, please see
WESTIR Limited’s 2016 Census Topic Paper ‘Women in Greater Western Sydney’.
Homelessness among TEI priority groups The NSW Department of Family and Community Services (FACS) is undertaking a reform
process to redesign the earlier intervention service system in NSW. Collectively known as
the Targeted Earlier Intervention (TEI) reform10, the reform has three priority groups:
• Aboriginal children, young people, families and communities in NSW
• 0-3 year olds, and,
• Younger parents (at least one parent is under 20 years).
Where possible, this section explores the homelessness estimates for these priority groups.
Indigenous homelessness It is widely acknowledged that Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) people are
overrepresented in the homeless population as a result of the ongoing impact of
colonisation, dispossession and intergenerational trauma. Despite this acknowledgement,
the ABS has continually struggled to estimate Indigenous people and recognises that ‘there
8On a national level, the rate of older persons experiencing homelessness had increased from 26 persons per 10,000 of the
population in 2011 to 29 per 10,000 in 2016. For more information on national trends, please visit the ABS website:
https://bit.ly/2INyxBf 9Jones, A. & Petersen, M. 2014, ‘Older People’ in Chamberlain, C., Johnson, G. & Robinson, C (eds), Homelessness in
Australia: an introduction, New South Publishing, Sydney. 10For more information about the NSW TEI Reform, please visit the FACS website: https://bit.ly/2x5QUsv
20
are additional aspects to homelessness from an Indigenous perspective that the [ABS]
definition does not currently adequately capture’ (p. 160)11.
Indigenous homelessness is likely to be underestimated by the ABS and there are two main
reasons why. Firstly, the homeless operational groups do not adequately cover those staying
temporarily in other households. This is particularly important in ATSI culture where cultural
obligations to kin often see ATSI persons visiting relatives for extended periods of time. The
distinction between ‘visitor’ and ‘usual resident’ is also not appropriate for ATSI households
where people are staying with family members. Secondly, a ‘usual address’ may be reported
that is associated with a ‘place’ rather than with a home or a dwelling. The ABS need to
continue working on definitions of Indigenous homelessness, acknowledging that ‘home’ for
the ATSI population is more than shelter and has an important spiritual connection to family,
community and Country10. Nevertheless, the current ABS homelessness estimates can
provide an insight into Indigenous homelessness but must be interpreted with caution due to
this underestimation.
In 2016, it was estimated that 460 Indigenous persons were homeless in GWS on Census
night. This equated to 3.3% of the region’s homeless population and a very small percentage
of the overall Indigenous population (0.3%). Most Indigenous homeless persons in GWS
were male (52%). As a rate, approximately 110.0 per 10,000 Indigenous people were
homeless in GWS, much higher than the overall homeless rate (60.9 per 10,000). It should
be noted that around 248 Indigenous people in GWS were living in marginalised housing in
2016, also placing them at risk of homelessness (see Table 7).
Table 7: Homelessness estimates by Indigenous status, GWS, 2016
Homelessness estimates by Indigenous status, GWS, 2016
Number of Indigenous
persons
% male
% female
Total homeless persons
Total Indigenous population
% homeless
% Indigenous population
Rate per 10,000
Indigenous people
Homeless persons (total)
460 52 48 13,958 41,804 3.3 1.1 110.0
Persons in marginalised housing (total)
248 44 56 18,187 41,804 1.4 0.6 59.3
Total 708 49.4 51.1 32,143 41,804 2.2 1.7 169.4 Source: ABS Census of Population and Housing 2016, Tablebuilder Pro, Counting persons, Estimating Homelessness.
Figure 9 shows the age distribution of Indigenous persons who were homeless or in
marginalised housing in GWS in 2016. Most Indigenous homeless persons in the region
were aged 0-9 years (133 persons) followed by 20-29 years (107 persons). This suggests
that most Indigenous persons who were homeless were parents with their children. These
families may be experiencing homelessness due to family breakdown and/or escaping
circumstances such as domestic and family violence (DFV).
11Memmott, P. & Nash, D. 2014, ‘Indigenous homelessness’ in Chamberlain, C., Johnson, G. & Robinson, C (eds), Homelessness in Australia: an introduction, New South Publishing, Sydney.
21
Figure 9: Age distribution, Indigenous persons, homeless or in marginalised housing, GWS, 2016
Source: ABS Census of Population and Housing 2016, Tablebuilder Pro, Counting persons, Estimating Homelessness. In 2016, most Indigenous homeless persons were living in supported accommodation for the
homeless (49.2%) or in ‘severely’ crowded dwellings’ (30.3%). Approximately 12.0% were
living temporarily with other households (See Figure 10). For those living in marginalised
housing, most were in ‘other’ crowded dwellings (90.1% of Indigenous persons in
marginalised housing). Please contact WESTIR Limited for further information on this
dataset.
Figure 10: Types of homelessness by homeless operational groups, Indigenous persons, GWS, 2016
Source: ABS Census of Population and Housing 2016, Tablebuilder Pro, Counting persons, Estimating Homelessness.
133
99107
4149
32
7163
49
2314
22
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
0-9 years 10-19 years 20-29 years 30-39 years 40-49 years 50+ age group
Nu
mb
er
of
pers
on
s
Age
Age distribution, Indigenous persons, homeless or in marginalised housing, GWS, 2016
Homeless persons (total) - Indigenous Persons in marginalised housing (total) - Indigenous
Persons living in improvised
dwellings, tents, or sleeping out,
5.6%
Persons in supported
accommodation for the homeless,
49.2%Persons staying temporarily with
other households, 12.0%
Persons living in boarding houses,
2.9%
Persons in other temporary
lodgings, 0.0%
Persons living in 'severely' crowded
dwellings, 30.3%
Types of homelessness by homeless operational groups, Indigenous persons, GWS, 2016
22
Figure 11 shows the distribution of Indigenous persons who were homeless or in
marginalised housing across GWS SA3s in 2016. The highest numbers of Indigenous
homeless people in the region were in Penrith (74 persons), Campbelltown (71 persons),
Mount Druitt (59 persons) and Blacktown (40 persons). This is consistent with the areas in
GWS with the largest Indigenous populations12.
Figure 11: Distribution of Indigenous persons who were homeless or in marginalised housing by Statistical Area 3 (SA3), GWS, 2016
Source: ABS Census of Population and Housing 2016, Tablebuilder Pro, Counting persons, Estimating Homelessness.
12For more information about the Indigenous population of GWS, please see WESTIR Limited’s 2016 Census Topic Paper
‘Indigenous Population of Greater Western Sydney’.
7
0
10
0
40
6
59
13
0 0
71
5
22
0
74
31
7
12
0
22
15 16
26 27
0
3
0 0
22
3
39
5
11
16
44
9
15
0
30
16
4
0
4
0
4
12 14
0
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
Nu
mb
er
of
pers
on
s
SA3
Distribution of Indigenous persons who were homeless or in marginalised housing by Statistical Area 3 (SA3), GWS, 2016
Homeless persons (total) - Indigenous Persons in marginalised housing (total) - Indigenous
23
Homelessness among 0-3 year olds In 2016, it was estimated that 819 persons aged 0-3 years old were homeless in GWS on
Census night. This equated to 5.9% of the region’s homeless population and less than one
percent (0.6%) of the 0-3 year old population. As a rate, approximately 62.1 per 10,000
people aged 0-3 years old were homeless in GWS. It should be noted that an estimated
1,140 persons aged 0-3 years old in GWS were living in marginalised housing in 2016, also
placing them at risk of homelessness (see Table 8).
Table 8: Homelessness estimates, persons aged 0-3 years old, GWS, 2016
Homelessness estimates, persons aged 0-3 years old, GWS, 2016
Number Total
homeless persons
Total population (0-3 years
old)
% homeless
% population (0-3 years
old)
Rate per 10,000 people
aged 0-3 years old
Homeless persons (total)
819 13,958 131,860 5.9 0.6 62.1
Persons in marginalised housing (total)
1,140 18,187 131,860 6.3 0.9 86.5
Total 1,955 32,143 131,860 6.1 1.5 148.3 Source: ABS Census of Population and Housing 2016, Tablebuilder Pro, Counting persons, Estimating Homelessness. Most 0-3 year olds in GWS experiencing homelessness were living in ‘severely’ crowded
dwellings (66.9%). Just over a quarter (25.6%) were living in supported accommodation for
the homeless (See Figure 12). For those living in marginalised housing, most were in ‘other’
crowded dwellings (97.5%). Please contact WESTIR Limited for further information on this
dataset.
Figure 12: Types of homelessness by homeless operational groups, persons aged 0-3 years old, GWS, 2016
Source: ABS Census of Population and Housing 2016, Tablebuilder Pro, Counting persons, Estimating Homelessness.
Persons living in improvised
dwellings, tents, or sleeping out, 2.3%
Persons in supported
accommodation for the homeless,
25.6%
Persons staying temporarily with
other households, 5.0%
Persons living in boarding houses,
0.0%Persons in other temporary
lodgings, 0.0%
Persons living in 'severely' crowded dwellings, 66.9%
Types of homelessness by homeless operational groups, persons aged 0-3 years old, GWS, 2016
24
Table 9 shows some demographic characteristics of persons aged 0-3 years old who were
homeless in GWS in 2016. There were more males aged 0-3 years old in the region (52%)
who were homeless than females of the same age (48%). Approximately 8.1% of the
homeless persons aged 0-3 years old in GWS identified as Indigenous, higher than the
Indigenous rate for the region’s 0-3 year old population (3.0%).
Table 9: Demographic characteristics, persons aged 0-3 years old, homeless or in marginalised housing, GWS, 2016
Demographic characteristics, persons aged 0-3 years old, homeless or in marginalised housing, GWS, 2016
Homeless persons Persons in marginalised housing
Total number (0-3 years old) 819 1,140
% male 52 51
% female 48 49
% Indigenous 8.1 2.5
% born in Australia 84.9 10.5
% born overseas 15.0 89.2 Source: ABS Census of Population and Housing 2016, Tablebuilder Pro, Counting persons, Estimating Homelessness. Figure 13 shows the distribution of persons aged 0-3 years old who were homeless or in
marginalised housing across GWS SA3s in 2016. The highest numbers of homeless persons
aged 0-3 years old in the region were in Fairfield (142 persons), Merrylands – Guildford (105
persons), Canterbury (69 persons), Blacktown (67 persons) and Mount Druitt (55 persons).
Figure 13: Distribution of persons aged 0-3 years old who were homeless or in marginalised housing by Statistical Area 3 (SA3), GWS, 2016
Source: ABS Census of Population and Housing 2016, Tablebuilder Pro, Counting persons, Estimating Homelessness.
5 8 3 0
67
11
55
48
69
10
67
3
10
0
36
15
15
50
4
105
38
33
142
41
5
11
0
6
83
5
108
103 113
4
59
9 11
0
13
5
22
110
7
127
44
35
206
59
0
50
100
150
200
250
Nu
mb
er
of
pers
on
s
SA3
Distribution of persons aged 0-3 years old who were homeless or in marginalised housing by Statistical Area 3 (SA3), GWS, 2016
Homeless persons (total) Persons in marginalised housing (total)
25
Homelessness among young parents The ABS does not provide the variables required to estimate homeless among young
parents aged under 20 years in GWS. There are, however, general characteristics about
15-19 year olds who were homeless in 2016 that can be ascertained, with the assumption
that a very small proportion of these persons may have child/ren.
In 2016, it was estimated that 1,249 persons aged 15-19 years were homeless in GWS on
Census night. This equated to 8.9% of the region’s homeless population and a very small
percentage of the overall 15-19 year old population (0.8%). Most homeless persons aged
15-19 years old were female (50.7%) and lived in ‘severely’ crowded dwellings (71.8%).
An additional 1,871 persons aged 15-19 years old were living in marginalised housing, with
most being male (51.4%) and living in ‘other’ crowded dwellings (97.3%). For more
information on this dataset, please contact WESTIR Limited.
CALD homelessness In 2016, it was estimated that 8,975 persons who were homeless in GWS on Census night
were born overseas. This equated to 64.3% of the region’s homeless population and less
than one percent (0.9%) of the overseas born population. As a rate, approximately 88.7 per
10,000 people born overseas were homeless in GWS. It should be noted that an estimated
11,423 persons born overseas in GWS were living in marginalised housing in 2016, also
placing them at risk of homelessness (see Table 10).
Table 10: Homelessness estimates by country of birth, GWS, 2016
Homelessness estimates by country of birth, GWS, 2016
Number
born overseas
Total homeless persons
Total overseas
born population
% homeless
% overseas
born population
Rate per 10,000
people born in overseas
Homeless persons (total) 8,975 13,958 1,012,153 64.3 0.9 88.7
Persons in marginalised housing (total) 11,423 18,187 1,278,631 62.8 0.9 89.3
Total 20,398 32,143 2,290,785 63.5 0.9 89.0 Source: ABS Census of Population and Housing 2016, Tablebuilder Pro, Counting persons, Estimating Homelessness. Most homeless persons who were born overseas in GWS were male (61%) and aged
between 20-29 years old (31.0%) (See Figure 14 over the page). When looking at
homelessness types, most overseas born homeless persons in the region were living in
‘severely’ crowded dwellings (72.6%). Approximately 14.3% were in supported
accommodation for the homeless and in total, over ten percent were living in boarding
houses (5.9%) or staying temporarily with other households (5.7%) (see Figure 15 over the
page).
26
Figure 14: Age distribution, persons born overseas, homeless or in marginalised housing, GWS, 2016
Source: ABS Census of Population and Housing 2016, Tablebuilder Pro, Counting persons, Estimating Homelessness. Figure 15: Types of homelessness by homeless operational groups, persons born overseas, GWS, 2016
Source: ABS Census of Population and Housing 2016, Tablebuilder Pro, Counting persons, Estimating Homelessness.
172 276
311
602
1380
1402
1065
782
622
589
514
421
288
546
170 3
04 401
857
1911
1954
1232
851
782
818
712
553
317
565
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
0-4years
5-9years
10-14years
15-19years
20-24years
25-29years
30-34years
35-39years
40-44years
45-49years
50-54years
55-59years
60-64years
65+age
group
Nu
mb
er
of
pe
rso
ns
Age
Age distribution, persons born overseas, homeless or in marginalised housing, GWS, 2016
Homeless persons (total) - Born overseas Persons in marginalised housing (total) - Born overseas
Persons living in improvised
dwellings, tents, or sleeping out, 1.3%
Persons in supported
accommodation for the homeless,
14.3%
Persons staying temporarily with
other households, 5.7%
Persons living in boarding houses,
5.9%
Persons in other temporary
lodgings, 0.1%Persons living in
'severely' crowded dwellings, 72.6
Types of homelessness by homeless operational groups, persons born overseas, GWS, 2016
27
Of the homeless people born overseas in GWS, most were born in Vietnam (889 persons),
Afghanistan (878 persons), India (677 persons), Pakistan (543 persons) and New Zealand
(538 persons). Most of the top 20 countries of birth (after Australia) for homeless persons in
GWS in 2016 were in South-East Asia or the Middle East (see Table 11).
Table 11: Homelessness estimates, top 20 countries of birth, GWS, 2016
Homelessness estimates, top 20 countries of birth, GWS, 2016
Homeless persons
(total) Rank
Persons in marginalised
housing (total)
Rank
Australia 4,985 1 6,764 1
Vietnam 889 2 1,247 2
Afghanistan 878 3 888 4
India 677 4 1,223 3
Pakistan 543 5 777 6
New Zealand 538 6 650 7
Iraq 523 7 840 5
China (excludes SARs and Taiwan) 469 8 566 8
Sri Lanka 268 9 293 12
Philippines 216 10 414 11
Samoa 203 11 250 13
Lebanon 202 12 480 9
Myanmar 188 13 194 15
Iran 186 14 100 22
Cambodia 151 15 235 14
Thailand 117 16 179 16
Syria 111 17 144 17
Fiji 107 18 110 20
Taiwan 104 19 90 23
Bangladesh 89 20 80 24
Other countries (total) 1,379 2,294
Not stated 1,095 346
Inadequately described 16 19
Total 13,958 18,187 Source: ABS Census of Population and Housing 2016, Tablebuilder Pro, Counting persons, Estimating Homelessness. When looking at the year of arrival in Australia, most homeless persons born overseas in
GWS arrived in Australia in the ten years prior to the Census, that is between 2006 and 2015
(50.5%) (see Figure 16 over the page). Over half of the region’s homeless population born
overseas did not have Australian citizenship (54.5%) (see Figure 17 over the page) and over
a quarter could not speak English well (20.0%) or not at all (6.5%) (see Figure 18 over the
page). The citizenship status and language barriers of homeless persons is a significant
issue as it may affect their ability to access emergency accommodation, long term housing
and other social supports required to break the cycle of homelessness13.
In 2016, most homeless persons born overseas in GWS were living in areas where there are
high concentrations of CALD communities. Figure 19 (over the page) shows that the highest
numbers of overseas born homeless persons were living in Auburn (1,504 persons), Fairfield
(1,426 persons) and Merrylands – Guildford (1,080 persons).
13Homelessness NSW 2019, Cultural Diversity and Homelessness, https://bit.ly/2VMcO1N
28
Figure 16: Persons born overseas who were homeless or in marginalised housing, year of arrival in Australia, GWS, 2016
Source: ABS Census of Population and Housing 2016, Tablebuilder Pro, Counting persons, Estimating Homelessness. Figure 17: Persons born overseas who were homeless or in marginalised housing, Australian citizenship status, GWS, 2016
Source: ABS Census of Population and Housing 2016, Tablebuilder Pro, Counting persons, Estimating Homelessness.
0 12
38 135
386 741 1126
4533
509
405
1095
0 24
44 198 498
1165 1
926
5993
808
427
346
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
Nu
mb
er
of
pers
on
s
Year of Arrival in Australia
Persons born overseas who were homeless or in marginalised housing, year of arrival in Australia, GWS, 2016
Homeless persons (total) - Born overseas Persons in marginalised housing (total) - Born overseas
3083
4892
1003
4594
6531
293
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
Australian Not Australian Not stated
Nu
mb
er
of
pers
on
s
Australian Citizenship
Persons born overseas who were homeless or in marginalised housing, Australian citizenship status, GWS, 2016
Homeless persons (total) - Born overseas Persons in marginalised housing (total) - Born overseas
29
Figure 18: Persons born overseas who were homeless or living in marginalised housing, Proficiency in Spoken English/Language (%), GWS, 2016
Source: ABS Census of Population and Housing 2016, Tablebuilder Pro, Counting persons, Estimating Homelessness. Figure 19: Distribution of persons born overseas who were homeless or in marginalised housing by Statistical Area 3 (SA3), GWS, 2016
Source: ABS Census of Population and Housing 2016, Tablebuilder Pro, Counting persons, Estimating Homelessness.
10
.8
24
.1
27
.8
20
.0
6.5
9.9
0.8
9.5
31
.1
31
.0
20
.5
6.2
1.0
0.7
0.0
5.0
10.0
15.0
20.0
25.0
30.0
35.0
Speaks Englishonly
Speaks otherlanguage and
speaks English:Very well
Speaks otherlanguage and
speaks English:Well
Speaks otherlanguage and
speaks English:Not well
Speaks otherlanguage and
speaks English:Not at all
Not stated -both languageand proficiency
not stated
Not stated -languagestated,
proficiency notstated
Perc
en
t (%
)
Proficiency in Spoken English/Language
Persons born overseas who were homeless or living in marginalised housing, Proficiency in Spoken English/Language (%), GWS, 2016
Homeless persons (total) - Born overseas (%) Persons in marginalised housing (total) - Born overseas (%)
120
14
9 7
523
80
299
623
949
23
477
8
67
3
206
39 1
48
1504
72
1080
688
231
1426
383
136
35
12 46
636
172
590
892
1235
21
367
21 33
0
101
22 1
35
1880
82
1335
878
374
1933
483
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
Nu
mb
er
of
pers
on
s
SA3
Distribution of persons born overseas who were homeless or in marginalised housing by Statistical Area 3 (SA3), GWS, 2016
Homeless persons (total) - Born overseas Persons in marginalised housing (total) - Born overseas
30
Overall, the homelessness experience of those from CALD backgrounds is probably best
described in an educational resource by the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) and St
Vincent de Paul Society14:
“People from CALD backgrounds who are experiencing homelessness face additional
obstacles to accessing emergency accommodation, securing housing and accessing support
and assistance. They often contend with language barriers, discrimination, and social
isolation. They may have limited knowledge of Australian legal and social systems; and must
figure out how to access culturally appropriate support such as translation services and
bilingual staff. Many recent migrants, asylum seekers and refugees are particularly
vulnerable to homelessness depending on which category of visa they hold. Their right to
work, right to social security, access to education and training, and access to Medicare may
be restricted in some instances. As a result, this group is often dependent on the support
available to them through local community services, including migrant and refugee support
services offered by [non-government] organisations… Those experiencing homelessness
from a CALD background are, however, less likely to use homelessness services due to the
additional barriers they face. This in turn results in this group facing increased hardship as
their circumstances become more complicated over time” (p. 2)
Homeless with a disability The Census ‘Core Activity Need for Assistance’ indicator is used to estimate the disability
status of people within the population. The population is defined as people who need
assistance with their day-to-day lives with any or all of the following core activities –
self-care, body movements or communication. The Census question regarding need for
assistance is self-reported and should be treated with caution, however, it is currently the
best indicator available in estimating the prevalence of disability within a geographical
area15.
People with disability are at a higher risk of homelessness than the general population
because they may have lower incomes and are, therefore, more likely to have limited
housing options. People with physical, mental and/or intellectual disabilities can also face
barriers in accessing homelessness services as they may not be aware that services exist or
may be mistakenly barred from services for ‘not conforming to the rules’. There is a need for
more research into the housing pathways of people with disability, particularly with the
introduction of government initiatives such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme
(NDIS)16.
In 2016, it was estimated that 794 homeless persons needed assistance with core activities
in GWS on Census night. This equated to 5.7% of the region’s homeless population and less
than one per cent (0.6%) of the population needing assistance. As a rate, approximately
61.5 per 10,000 people needing assistance were homeless in GWS (see Table 12 over the
page). Most homeless persons who needed assistance were male (55%).
14SBS & St Vincent de Paul Society 2018, Fact Sheet: Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Peoples’ Experiences of
Homelessness, https://bit.ly/2ILcY2f 15For more information about the ABS Core Activity Need for Assistance indicator, please see: https://bit.ly/2Rs9R1O 16Homelessness Australia 2016, Homelessness and Disability, https://bit.ly/2DyDzhA
31
Table 12: Homelessness estimates by Core Activity Need for Assistance, GWS, 2016
Homelessness estimates by Core Activity Need for Assistance, GWS, 2016
Number
(Has Need for
Assistance)
Total homeless persons
Total population (Has Need
for Assistance)
% homeless
% population (Has Need
for Assistance)
Rate per 10,000 people
needing assistance
Homeless persons (total) 794 13,958 129,047 5.7 0.6 61.5
Persons in marginalised housing (total)
819 18,187 129,047 4.5 0.6 63.5
Total 1,613 32,143 129,047 5.0 1.2 125.0 Source: ABS Census of Population and Housing 2016, Tablebuilder Pro, Counting persons, Estimating Homelessness. The need for assistance with core activities increased as the age of homeless persons
increased in GWS. Most homeless persons needing assistance were aged 65 years and
over (29.5%), with similar trends for those living in marginalised housing (see Figure 20).
Most homeless persons needing assistance in GWS were living in ‘severely’ crowded
dwellings (50.1%) or in supported accommodation for the homeless (33.5%) (see Figure 21
over the page). On a SA3 level, most homeless persons needing assistance were in Fairfield
(201 persons), Merrylands – Guildford (98 persons) and Bankstown (78 persons). Please
contact WESTIR Limited for the full dataset.
Figure 20: Age distribution, Persons who have need for assistance, homeless or in marginalised housing, GWS, 2016
Source: ABS Census of Population and Housing 2016, Tablebuilder Pro, Counting persons, Estimating Homelessness.
10
34
24 26
26 28 3
7
33 37
60
88
80
75
234
18
44
37
33 35
25
21 24
42
66 72 8
5
85
244
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
0-4years
5-9years
10-14years
15-19years
20-24years
25-29years
30-34years
35-39years
40-44years
45-49years
50-54years
55-59years
60-64years
65+age
group
Nu
mb
er
of
pers
on
s
Age
Age distribution, Persons who have need for assistance, homeless or in marginalised housing, GWS, 2016
Homeless persons (total) - Has Need for Assistance
Persons in marginalised housing (total) - Has Need for Assistance
32
Figure 21: Types of homelessness by homeless operational groups, persons who have need for assistance, GWS, 2016
Source: ABS Census of Population and Housing 2016, Tablebuilder Pro, Counting persons, Estimating Homelessness.
Persons living in improvised
dwellings, tents, or sleeping out, 1.5%
Persons in supported
accommodation for the homeless,
33.5%
Persons staying temporarily with
other households, 6.8%
Persons living in boarding houses,
8.3%
Persons in other temporary
lodgings, 0.4%
Persons living in 'severely' crowded dwellings, 50.1%
Types of homelessness by homeless operational groups, persons who have need for assistance, GWS, 2016
33
Student and worker homelessness This section explores a range of education and employment indicators of the homeless
population in GWS in 2016, with the aim of uncovering potential groups within the homeless
population that may need targeted support. Please see Table 13 for the full list of indicators.
Table 13: Homelessness estimates, various education and employment indicators, GWS, 2016
Homelessness estimates, various education and employment indicators, GWS, 2016
Homeless persons (total)
Persons in marginalised housing (total)
Total number 13,958 18,187
% Year 12 or equivalent attainment 37.7 43.6
% Attending University or other Tertiary Institution 7.7 9.7
% Employed (full time or part time) 31.8 36.3
% Bachelor degree qualification 7.2 7.8
% Postgraduate degree qualification 2.4 2.7
% Fully engaged in employment, education and training 31.9 38.6
% Nil income per week 13.3 15.1
Most common industry of employment* • Construction (646 persons)
• Accommodation and Food Services (465 persons)
• Manufacturing (404 persons)
• Accommodation and Food Services (782 persons)
• Construction (779 persons)
• Retail Trade (756 persons)
Most common occupation* • Labourers (933 persons)
• Technicians and Trade Workers (856 persons)
• Machinery Operators and Drivers (618 persons)
• Labourers (1,426 persons)
• Technicians and Trade Workers (1,063 persons)
• Machinery Operators and Drivers (914 persons)
Source: ABS Census of Population and Housing 2016, Tablebuilder Pro, Counting persons, Estimating Homelessness. *Excludes not stated and not applicable categories. There are several observations that can be made from the indicators above. Firstly, there
was a small but noticeable proportion of the region’s homeless population that were well
educated in 2016, with over a third (37.7%) having an educational attainment of Year 12 or
equivalent, 7.2% having a bachelor degree qualification and 2.4% having a postgraduate
degree qualification. Interestingly, just under a third of the homeless population in GWS were
estimated to be employed (either full time or part time) (31.8%) or were fully engaged in
employment, education and training (31.9%). The data seems to confirm the increasing
number of ‘working poor’ who are experiencing homelessness, exacerbated by a range of
labour force factors such as the cost of living, casualisation of the workforce and
underemployment17.
The data also shows that for the homeless in GWS who were employed in 2016, the most
common industries of employment were construction (646 persons), accommodation and
food services (465 persons) and manufacturing (404 persons). The most common
occupations were labourers (933 persons), technicians and trade workers (856 persons) and
machine operators and drivers (618 persons). This suggests that policy and service
responses may need to consider those in low wage, manual labour industries that are
homeless or at risk of experiencing homelessness.
17ACOSS, 2018, ‘Homelessness up as housing costs rise and incomes decline’, media release (14 March),
https://bit.ly/2X2YT43
34
Table 13 also shows that approximately 7.7% of homeless persons in GWS in 2016 were
attending a university or other tertiary institution. Most homeless university students in the
region were full time students aged 15-24 years old (58.3%) or 25 years and over (30.3%)
(see Figure 22). While the overall proportion of homeless undertaking further education is
small, it does highlight that student homelessness is an issue within GWS and across
Australia. Research suggests that student homelessness continues to rise due to a
combination of cost of living pressures, low incomes and a lack of affordable accommodation
close to university campuses18,19.
Figure 22: Homeless students, University other tertiary institution, Attendee status (%), GWS, 2016
Source: ABS Census of Population and Housing 2016, Tablebuilder Pro, Counting persons, Estimating Homelessness.
18Victoria University 2012, Homeless uni students ‘invisible’, https://bit.ly/2XFZ7Tn 19Koziol, M. 2018, ‘Couchsurfing and living in cars: 11,000 tertiary students are homeless, 14 April, The Sydney Morning
Herald, https://bit.ly/2vggpt3
Full-time student: Aged 15-24 years,
58.3%
Full-time student: Aged 25 years and over,
30.3%
Part-time student: Aged 15-24 years,
6.0%
Part-time student: Aged 25 years and over,
4.9%
Full-time/Part-time student
status not stated, 0.6%
Homeless students, University other tertiary institution, Attendee status (%), GWS, 2016
35
Conclusion
This paper confirms that homelessness is an issue for at-risk groups in the GWS region. The
homelessness estimates highlight that the general homeless population in GWS are most
likely to be young, male and concentrated in the south-west of the region. Most at-risk
groups do not live in the streets, but rather in housing that is unstable and severely crowded.
Youth homelessness is an issue for GWS, with young people accounting for over a quarter
of the region’s homeless population. The homeless youth are culturally diverse and are more
likely to become homeless as they reach adulthood. These factors should be considered
when undertaking policy and planning responses for youth homelessness services.
Homelessness is also experienced by other at-risk groups in GWS, such as older people
and women, and is expected to increase over time. While men in the region are more likely
to be homeless than women, the data highlights that certain groups such as older women
are more likely to be living in marginalised housing and, therefore, are also at risk of falling
into homelessness.
The ATSI community in GWS continues to be over-represented in the homeless population,
however the prevalence of Indigenous homelessness is still likely to be underestimated. The
ABS needs to consider developing their homelessness definition to better account for the
cultural dimensions of homelessness. This will allow for more accurate counting and
encourage the resourcing of better targeted policy, programs and services20.
The paper also highlights that homelessness most likely impacts the priority groups identified
in the NSW Government’s TEI reform and more research should be undertaken to better
understand this issue.
The estimates strongly show that homelessness is a major issue for overseas born persons
in GWS. Almost two thirds of the region’s homeless persons were born outside Australia,
mostly in South East Asia and the Middle East. Most overseas born homeless persons in the
region had recently arrived in Australia and did not have Australian citizenship. Many also
had limited to no English proficiency. Homelessness service providers in the region need to
provide culturally appropriate support to ensure that they are accessible to those from CALD
backgrounds.
The paper also illustrated the characteristics of the region’s homeless population that
deserve ongoing attention. A small but notable proportion of homeless persons in GWS
need assistance with core activities, with needs increasing as they age. Homelessness also
affects those that are employed, with estimates suggesting that those in low wage, manual
industries are more likely to be homeless than those in other industries of employment. Well
educated groups in GWS, such as full time university students, are also experiencing
homelessness and these issues require resourcing to ensure they are adequately
addressed.
20Memmott, P. & Nash, D. 2014, ‘Indigenous homelessness’ in Chamberlain, C., Johnson, G. & Robinson, C (eds), Homelessness in Australia: an introduction, New South Publishing, Sydney.
36
Overall, the homelessness estimates provide an important insight into the characteristics of
at-risk groups experiencing homelessness in GWS. While the data has its limitations, it has
been suggested that ‘the data tells us that we need to consider customised solutions for
population groups as well as for different regions… We need to be attentive to the data when
we are considering our policy and practice response to ensure that we are addressing our
regional issues and not just responding to state-wide trends that may have little or no impact
for the people experiencing homelessness in different regions’ (p. 46)21. It is hoped that this
paper achieves this goal and can be used in conjunction with the lived experience of at-risk
groups to better understand and address homelessness in the GWS region.
21Leebeek, M. 2019, ‘Youth Homelessness Across Queensland: What Does the Data Say?’, Parity, vol.32, issue 2, pp. 44-46.
37