In a country as prosperous as Australia, no one should be homeless.

Homelessness is not just the result of too few houses – its causes are many and varied. Domestic violence, a shortage of affordable housing, unemployment, mental illness, family breakdown and drug and alcohol abuse all contribute to the level of homelessness in Australia.

This White Paper sets an ambitious target to halve homelessness by 2020 and offer supported accommodation to all rough sleepers who need it. To make sure the Government remains on track to meet these important goals, this White Paper sets out interim targets for 2013.

Reducing homelessness is everyone’s responsibility. Australia’s efforts to reduce homelessness have to be urgent, as well as sustained.