Cook Labor Government to reform social housing waitlist

• Cook Labor Government to undertake the first reform of the social housing waitlist in more than 70 years
• The changes will ensure those with the greatest need have a clearer pathway into housing
• A register of interest will be created for those without an urgent need for social housing
• These changes will bring Western Australia's social housing waitlist into alignment with the rest of the country

The Cook Labor Government is commencing work to reform the social housing waitlist, ensuring those with the greatest need have a clearer pathway into housing.

The current two-tiered waitlist model, introduced in the 1950s, requires change to better address the current complexities facing Western Australians seeking social housing, such as the impacts of family and domestic violence, chronic illness, disability, cultural considerations and other safety concerns.

To determine a person's level of need, a priority housing needs matrix will be created comprising need factors under five themes, safety, housing circumstances, medical conditions, accessibility needs and cultural considerations.

Additionally, a new register of interest will be created to ensure that applicants without an urgent need for housing, such as those who are currently housed, can be supported into available social housing.

This reform will bring Western Australia's social housing waitlist model into alignment with other jurisdictions.

Consultation is underway with community housing organisations and peak advocacy bodies to inform the implementation of the new waitlist model, which is expected to be operational in 2028.

Comments attributed to Housing and Works Minister John Carey:

"Our government is committed to undertaking reform to ensure those with the greatest need are prioritised for housing.

"This reform seeks to recognise the complexities that social housing applicants experience in their lives and have it reflected in their position on the housing waitlist.

"It will bring us into alignment with the rest of the country and will mean more people with greatest need, including those facing domestic and family violence and people with disability, will have a place to call home."

Comments attributed to Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Jessica Stojkovski:

"For women and children fleeing violence, access to safe and secure housing is critical and this new approach will help ensure those facing urgent situations are prioritised.

"These reforms will create a fairer and more transparent system better reflecting the realities of family and domestic violence and helping ensure support reaches those who need it most,

"Safe and secure housing plays a vital role in helping victim-survivors rebuild their lives, and is essential to our government's priority to build safe and inclusive communities."

Comments attributed to Centre for Women's Safety and Wellbeing CEO Dr Alison Evans:

"For many victim-survivors escaping family and domestic violence independently maintaining a mortgage or private rental arrangement is unaffordable and social housing is critical for providing long-term, stable housing.

"The WA Labor Government's social housing waitlist reform is an important way of supporting adult and child victim-survivors in crisis into stable, secure and long-term housing.

"We see improvements in physical and mental health, employment and engagement with family and community when victim-survivors are provided with the security, stability and affordability of their social housing."

Comments attributed to ShelterWA Chair Michael Chester:

"Improving the social housing waitlist will make a real difference to Western Australians in urgent need of a safe, secure home.

"People require access to priority housing for compelling and urgent reasons ranging from women and children fleeing violence, to individuals facing serious health decline, and those experiencing homelessness, including sleeping rough, living in cars, or couch-surfing without stability.

"Getting the system right means helping people who need it most get into homes faster, and that's exactly what this reform should deliver."

Comments attributed to WA Council of Social Service CEO Louise Giolitto:

"This is a welcome step toward a fairer system that better recognises the complexity of people's lives. We strongly support prioritising those facing the greatest barriers to housing.

"While we know this alone cannot resolve the housing shortage, it is an important step in helping people with the greatest needs, including those facing multiple challenges, get access to housing sooner.

"We are committed to working alongside government and the sector to make sure the new system is fair, transparent and centred on people."