Youth Homelessness in Focus: Party Policies Snapshot
As the federal election approaches on May 3, Youth Futures is seeing more and more at-risk young people in Western Australia urgently in need of support. We call on the incoming government to strengthen its commitment to meaningful, well-funded policies that address the youth homelessness crisis and make sure these young people receive the help they so desperately need.
Here’s a snapshot of what we know about each party’s policies on youth homelessness.
Labor’s $42 billion NHIF program for safe housing is a start, but it should separate domestic violence and youth homelessness. While related, they’re distinct issues – vulnerable young people need school support, vocational training, life skills, and safe spaces like our 6-bed Djinda facility. Labor’s plan needs more focus. Read Labor's homelessness policy.
The Coalition’s policy lacks depth, offering general housing promises without addressing youth-specific needs like housing, early intervention, or support for vulnerable young people, leaving those in crisis unsupported. Read the Liberal party's affordable housing policy.
The Greens’ policy ensures affordable, accessible, secure housing for young people, especially those leaving out-of-home care, and includes programs for LGBTIQA+ and First Nations young people, who are 35% of WA’s homeless youth despite being 3.3% of the population. Read the Greens' homelessness policy.
The Trumpet of Patriots (TOP) has no specific youth homelessness policy. Their plans focus on cutting family living costs, not young people’s needs like crisis housing or job skills. Read Trumpet of Patriots' policies.
Teal independents, like WA’s Kate Chaney, lack youth homelessness policies. Chaney focuses on education and training for a greener economy which may help with skills, but not direct housing solutions for young people at-risk of homelessness. Read Kate Chaney's affordable housing policy.
As Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “We cannot always build a future for our youth, but we can always build our youth for the future.” Our young people deserve better federal funding for education, skills, and housing to thrive, whatever Saturday’s election result.