There’s No Place Like Home – Aboriginal Homelessness in Perth
27 February 2025

Justin Kickett, Director of Strategy at i24s Group shares some insights about the overrepresentation of Aboriginals who are homeless – specifically, he shines a spotlight on what actions can be undertaken to improve outcomes for Indigenous homeless people.

Homelessness remains a significant issue in Western Australia (WA), in particular, in the Perth metropolitan area, and Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders are disproportionately affected. Despite this cohort making up only 3.1 per cent of the State’s population, Aboriginals account for 29 per cent of those experiencing homelessness.

Justin says, “This overrepresentation highlights systemic barriers, historical injustices and calls for urgent gaps in housing and support services to be addressed. I’m proud that i24s is one of several Outreach and Advocacy service providers, that is working collaboratively with government agencies and the private sector to reduce homelessness for all, including Indigenous Australians.”

A Growing Crisis

Recent data indicates that Aboriginal homelessness in WA has not only persisted, but is also at risk of increasing.

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Justin says, “Statistics indicate that up to 42 per cent of individuals who access specialist homelessness services, identify as Aboriginal. I believe this number is the result of limited access to culturally appropriate support, ongoing rental market discrimination and intergenerational trauma, and the need for action is more critical now than ever.”

​Actions Speak Louder Than Words​

• Culturally Appropriate Housing Solutions: Thankfully, government agencies and private service providers are beginning to prioritise culturally safe and community-driven housing models, that respect Aboriginal kinship structures and cultural obligations.

• Housing First Approach: Another key consideration is providing permanent, stable housing – before addressing other challenges, such as mental health, addiction, or employment barriers has been  proven to reduce homelessness.

• Aboriginal-Led Services: Justin says, “Increasing the number of supporting Aboriginal-controlled organisations that are delivering housing and wrap-around services is key, as this will help to ensure solutions are tailored to individual, family and community needs.”

• Policy Reform – Consideration could also be given about reviewing the ‘three strikes’ eviction policy, and making public housing regulations more flexible for Aboriginal tenants, as that approach could prevent unnecessary displacement.

• Employment and Economic Support: He adds, “I’m passionate about initiatives that create pathways to employment and education, as that reduces long-term homelessness among Aboriginals. It empowers them.”

Improving Cultural Safety for Aboriginal People 
To address cultural safety concerns, government agencies and private sector service providers must continue to:

• employ more Aboriginals in homelessness and housing services;

• provide cultural competency training to non-Indigenous Outreach Workers;

• ensure safe spaces that allow for spiritual and cultural practices; and

• develop place-based solutions that respect Aboriginal mobility patterns, particularly in regional areas.

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Supporting Aboriginal People to Reconnect

Return to Country (RTC) initiatives assist Aboriginals to reconnect with their Country, family and community.

Justin says, “RTC initiatives are vital in reducing the number of Aboriginals who are homeless. RTC initiatives help those who are stranded in Perth – without support – to return home, where they can access family and community-based care.”

“At i24s, our Cultural Response Team (CRT) comprises Aboriginal Outreach Workers who have robust experience in RTC. They work with the Department of Communities WA, the Justice Department WA, the Courts, Police and other parties, to deliver transitional support.”

Government and Community Response

The WA 10-Year Strategy on Homelessness (2020–2030) aims to address many of the above-mentioned issues, but more action is required to meet targets.

As the State gears up for an election in early March, it is important to have bipartisan support for ongoing funding, for Aboriginal-led housing solutions, improving coordination across agencies, as well as to ensure that policy decisions reflect the lived experiences of Aboriginal people who are homeless.

Now is the Time to Act

Justin is a Noongar man with more than 20 years’ experience gained from the Justice and Communities, and Mining and Resources sectors. He also serves as a founding Member of the WA government’s Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee (AJAC).

He says, “The i24s’ Outreach and Advocacy services ensure connections between homeless individuals and Traditional Owners, communities, industry and government, are mutually rewarding. When I reflect on my heritage, I’m humbled by the lessons I’ve learnt and experiences I’ve shared with my people and non-Indigenous Australians too. 2025 is a time for unity and action.”

Homelessness is not just an Aboriginal issue, it is a community issue. Governments, businesses and community organisations must continue to partner to  implement real solutions that break the cycle of homelessness. The time for action is now.

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Stay tuned for an interview with one of the i24s Outreach Workers, as she shares her lived experience – from homelessness to empowerment and independence.

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For further information about our capabilities, please visit i24s.com.au and/or call +61 8 9209 2090.​​

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Image: Courtesy of The West Australian (Creator: Justin Benson-Cooper).