1 Background

1.1 Introduction

The Australian Bureau of Statistics defines a person as homeless if they do not have suitable accommodation alternatives and their current living arrangement is in a dwelling that:

  • is inadequate or has no tenure
  • has a short or non-extendable tenure
  • does not allow them to have control of, and access to, space for social relations.

The 2011 census reported that 22 789 Victorian people were homeless, a 21 per cent increase since 2006.

Audit summary

Homelessness has a significant impact on both individuals and the community. Homeless people have poorer health, fewer social connections and fewer opportunities for education or employment. This is turn generates considerable cost to government, through its provision of direct support services, demand on health services and lost economic participation.

The 2011 census data indicates that the rate of homelessness in Victoria has increased by 21 per cent since 2006. In 2011, 22 789 Victorian people were homeless on census night, and 16 per cent of these were children under 12.

Addressing Homelessness: Partnerships and Plans

Body
The audit determined whether Victoria’s implementation of the National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness–Victorian Implementation Plan and the Victorian Homelessness Action Plan 2011–2015 has been effective in addressing homelessness.

Appendix A. Glossary

Accession

The process of registering an acquisition in the collection records as part of a state collection. Once accessioned, an item can only be removed from a state collection by deaccession. The board of each custodian monitors and approves accession processes.

Acquisition

The process by which a custodian purchases, collects or receives by donation, bequest, or research-based field collection, an item or collection—in the case of the Public Record Office Victoria, transfer from other state government agencies.