This research examined Australia’s multi-provider social housing system and analysed changes over time to social housing delivery. The system includes public housing, managed by state and territory government agencies; community housing, managed by not-for-profit providers; and some housing provided through the NDIS and National Rental Affordability Scheme. 

There has been minimal growth in social housing stock in Australia over the past three decades. This has led to a reduction in the share of the total dwelling stock and annual new dwelling supply. To date, programs to boost social housing have been sporadic and often customised and complex. Australia lacks long-term, sustainable social housing growth models and this report offers policymakers options to reverse the decline.