Albanese government announces $300m for crisis homes amid pressure over DV crisis

An additional 500 homes for Australians facing homelessness will be delivered as part of a $300m cash splash by Labor, as state and territory leaders face renewed pressure over violence against women and girls.

The grant funding will be delivered through the Housing Australia Future Fund, with a mix of providers including state governments, community housing providers, and First Nations organisations to deliver the new homes.

The government says the funding will also support some 19,000 vulnerable Australians.

Anthony Albanese said the government was backing workers on the ground “because every Australian deserves somewhere safe to call home”.

“For too long, if you were fleeing violence or sleeping rough, you were on your own. Not anymore,” he said.

The announcement comes amid a renewed focus on violence against Australian women, including a spate of femicides and the role played by social media algorithms.

Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek is formulating the next phase of the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Girls.

“We know that safe housing is absolutely critical to help women and children leave violence.

“This new investment will give thousands of women and children the opportunity to leave, find safety and live in a home where they can be safe and rebuild their lives.”

National Shelter chief executive Jackson Hills welcomed the announcement.

“Longstanding calls from peak bodies, community housing providers, and frontline homelessness services have highlighted the need for additional investment in crisis and transitional accommodation,” he said.

“Directing these funds toward more housing supply for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness will deliver more immediate outcomes for those who need support now.”

“At a time when demand for crisis and transitional accommodation continues to grow across the country, this additional investment represents a meaningful step forward in ensuring more Australians can access safe, secure, and stable housing,” he said.

Special Envoy for Social Housing Josh Burns said the government was already building almost 1000 homes for women, children and young people in need.