This report argues that public policy on homelessness is based on flawed definitions that artificially inflate the figures, making public housing policy ineffective, adding to taxpayers' bills, and failing to assist 'chronic rough sleepers'.

This backgrounder examines homelessness in the 93 NSW electorates using data from the 2011 and 2016 Censuses. The Parliamentary Research Service has also published an interactive map and table showing this data.

This research progresses the priority areas identified by the National Mental Health Commission and provides evidence about the systemic issues and policy levers to provide housing and services for people with mental health issues.

There is very limited rough sleeping literature and what does exist has focused predominantly on men. This is one of the largest samples of women sleeping rough in Australian cities. From this sample, we are seeing that women who are sleeping rough have poorer health and social outcomes.

This report identifies areas where the current system is not working well for disadvantaged people. It outlines concrete, achievable solutions to ensure that some of the most marginalised people in our communities do not miss out on the benefits of a strong economy.