A recent study by the Community Housing Industry Association (CHIA) and the UNSW City Futures Research Centre has highlighted the areas of Victoria that are most affected by housing stress. The report, titled ‘Quantifying Australia’s unmet housing need’, found that 6% of households in Melbourne and 5.7% in regional Victoria are not appropriately housed, meaning they are either experiencing homelessness, living in overcrowded homes or spending more than 30% of their income on rent.
The worst affected area in Victoria is Melbourne’s West, where 6.9% of households, equivalent to over 20,000 families, are not appropriately housed. Melbourne’s North West and South East also ranked highly, with 6.7% and 6.6% of households facing unmet need respectively. In regional Victoria, the cities of Ballarat and Shepparton were found to have the highest proportion of unmet need, both at around 6%.
CHIA Victoria’s Acting CEO, Jess Pomeroy, said the report highlights the need for more social housing in Victoria, which has the lowest proportion of social housing in the country. She called for the Victorian Government to provide a clear, long-term funding pipeline for social and affordable housing and to work with not-for-profit community housing organisations to ensure that athletes’ villages for the 2026 Commonwealth Games are fit for long-term social and affordable housing.
CHIA CEO Wendy Hayhurst emphasised the importance of a long-term national housing strategy to address the increasing housing need in Australia, with 640,000 households currently facing unmet need and projected to increase to 940,000 by 2041. She called for additional investment from all levels of government and superannuation funds to tackle this challenge and provide all Australians with a stable and secure home.
The report is a wake-up call for the government to prioritise the provision of social housing and address the housing crisis in Victoria. The high number of households facing unmet need is a clear indication that more needs to be done to ensure all citizens have access to appropriate shelter. With the Commonwealth Games looming, now is the time for the government to take action and leave a lasting legacy by addressing the housing needs of the state.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
