Young Australian women and gender diverse individuals are facing precarious situations due to the national housing crisis.

A new report, developed by YWCA Australia in partnership with Swinburne University of Technology and released on 10 October, highlights these challenges.

Coinciding with World Homeless Day, the report involved interviews and focus groups with hundreds of women and gender diverse Australians aged 18-30, and has revealed the disparity this group currently faces, as well as the emotional, psychological and social impacts the inability to access safe and secure housing can create.

CEO Michelle Phillips said accessing a safe and secure home is a basic human right, one which is slowly eluding young women and gender diverse people across Australia.

“The findings of this report bring to light a reality that we at YWCA Australia have long understood–gender is a major factor in achieving safe, secure and affordable housing.

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“The crisis we are currently facing is bigger than just affordability. It’s a barrier to the independence, mental health, and ability of young women and gender diverse people to build stable lives,” Phillips said.

The report shines a light on the growing housing insecurity crisis affecting young Australians, with a particular focus on young women and gender diverse people. The findings reveal a dire situation of unaffordable rents, unsafe living conditions, and barriers to homeownership that demands immediate attention from policymakers.

Report lead author Professor Wendy Stone from Swinburne University of Technology said the research has given a voice to those often ignored when considering the national housing crisis.

“What we do know is that action is urgently needed from our nation’s leaders–whether that be policy solutions, housing affordability incentives or customised offerings for young women and gender diverse community members. We must ensure they have access to affordable and safe housing,” Professor Stone said.

The report launched on 10 October at an event hosted by YWCA Australia and Swinburne University of Technology at Australian Parliament House with a range of Parliamentarians from all sides in attendance.