Research commissioned by the Public Service Association clearly shows that the demand for public housing in South Australia is not being effectively met and that the situation will only get worse.

'Off the Waiting List', a report compiled by the Australian Institute for Social Research of the University of Adelaide, shows that in June 2007 a total of 176,321 Australian households were on waiting lists for public rental housing with 11,700 classified as being in 'greatest need'. The full report is available here.

Since the early 1990s public housing stock has declined by 14% and is projected to decline further from about 51,000 currently to less than 40,000 by 2020.

This is at a time when public housing dwellings in Australia have reduced from 372,134 (1996) to 341,378 (2006). Spending on public housing has fallen by more than 10% in the past decade. Housing SA is being subjected to staff reductions and reduced resourcing. The median house price in most Adelaide suburbs more than doubled between 2000 and 2004.

The PSA has great concerns over the situation. Government response to the current global financial downturn has seen a commitment by the Australian and State governments, highlighted in the 2009 State Budget, for new purchases and construction of 1500 homes over four years. While this initiative is welcomed it is clearly inadequate and will barely affect the waiting lists. It is imperative that the public sector take the initiative to more effectively meet the demand. This means much greater resourcing and a proper government commitment to address the increasing waiting lists.

The PSA has written to Minister Rankine calling for substantial additional investments in social housing to address the growing need for public housing and community housing in South Australia. It is clear that a major commitment is needed to house the most needy in our society.

(Enquiries to Chief Industrial Officer Peter Christopher on 8205 3200 or at pgc@cpsu.asn.au)