Tasmania has a growing homelessness problem which is impacting hundreds of children and young people, new data shows.
To mark national Homelessness Week (4-10 August 2025), TasCOSS, in collaboration with the Youth Network of Tasmania and CatholicCare Tasmania, has released new child and youth homelessness indicators on the Tasmania’s State of Housing Dashboard, which highlight the increased rates of child and youth homelessness and the glaring gaps in the service system.
Youth Network of Tasmania CEO, Ms Tania Hunt, said an alarming 39% (911) of homeless Tasmanians were children and young people aged 0-24 years.
“Homelessness affects a person’s mental and physical health, as well as their education and employment opportunities, and their ability to participate in society — these effects are particularly damaging for children and young people,” Ms Hunt said.
TasCOSS CEO, Ms Adrienne Picone, said the homelessness system in Tasmania is simply not adequately resourced to meet the needs of children and young people, with 61% of people turned away from homelessness services under 25 years of age.
“Tasmania’s rate of young people presenting alone to Specialist Homelessness Services (231.7 clients per 10,000 people) is the second highest of all states and territories, only after the Northern Territory,” Ms Picone said.
“The Government has a choice: it can step up and act or sit by and watch more Tasmanian children and young people seeking support get turned away.
“We call on the next state government to work closely with existing providers, such as CatholicCare Tasmania, to expand homelessness supports and accommodation, along with crisis and transitional services, for children and young people, as a matter of urgency.”
CatholicCare Tasmania CEO, Ms Julia Mangan, said growing and complex challenges are driving a rise in youth housing instability.
“Many young people are navigating trauma, family breakdowns, mental health challenges and substance use, often without the support networks they need,” Ms Mangan said.
“Young people need ongoing, intensive and coordinated support to address these complex issues and support them to get back on their feet. It requires strong, cross-sector partnerships and a shared commitment to ensuring no young person is left behind.”
Ms Hunt said the combination of record low vacancy rates and high demand in the private rental market was not conducive to young people finding a home.
“Young people, by virtue of their age, have lower incomes and usually lack a good rental or employment history to support their application, and frequently report being overlooked in favour of working couples or families,” she said.
“We need this Parliament to deliver on a dedicated Child and Youth Action Plan for Homelessness, which prioritises the specific care needs of children and young people. This plan should include specific commitments to deliver more specialist support services and accommodation to homeless children and young people who are unaccompanied or have other complex needs.”
The Tasmania’s State of Housing Dashboard can be accessed at tascoss.org.au/state-of-housing. For the full calendar of Homelessness Week events and activities, click here.