A Right to Home

Creating pathways out of homelessness for non-residents

Non-residents experiencing homelessness aren’t eligible for Medicare-funded healthcare, and government-funded emergency shelter, domestic violence support, and other services, simply because of their visa status. This leaves people heavily reliant on charities and philanthropy just to eat, receive medical care, and stay housed.

Non-residents are among Sydney’s most vulnerable people sleeping rough, with no safety net, no rights to work, and very little chance to find a pathway out of their situation.

What needs to change?

·         Non-resident women experiencing domestic and family violence (DFV) must have access to the same DFV support and benefits as Australian citizens.

·         Non-resident people experiencing homelessness must have the same access to temporary accommodation, crisis accommodation, and casework support as Australian citizens experiencing homelessness.

·         Employ a reciprocal agreement for New Zealand citizens experiencing homelessness in Australia (currently Australian citizens experiencing homelessness in New Zealand have the same rights as New Zealand citizens, however the reverse is not honoured).

·         Non-resident people should be included in the National Housing and Homelessness Agreement between states and territories so they are included in state homelessness funding at a federal level.

Advocating for change

Members of the collaboration including St Vincent’s Health Australia, City of City, Jesuit Refugee Service, Wayside Chapel, and Homelessness NSW have developed A Right to Home advocacy campaign to address the changes needed.

Campaign Outcomes

A Right to Home calls for non-residents to be able to access basic services for their health, housing, safety and other needs.

A Right for Home calls for local, state and federal MPs to raise awareness of how current policies on non-residents are affecting people’s lives.

A Right to Home calls for a range of reforms, including federal and state government action, to give non-residents of Australia access to crisis housing and health services, as well as the right to work and receive employment support.