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Homelessness is a serious ethical issue in Australia, affecting businesses, communities, and governments. This problem connects to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), specifically Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. From a business point of view, the UNSDGs are important because they promote economic stability, social responsibility, and long-term success. Companies that support these goals can help create a better society while also benefiting from a stronger workforce and customer base (United Nations, 2023). Our group is focusing on Goal 11, which aims to make cities more inclusive, safe, and sustainable. The ethical issues linked to this goal is homelessness, which is made worse by rising living costs, lack of affordable housing, and unstable jobs (Australian Human Rights Commision, 2022). This padlet will explore the ethical concerns around homelessness, how businesses are involved, and what companies are doing to help.

Homelessness is a major problem in Australia. It is a complex social issue, deeply connected to economic, health, and justice systems. Solving homelessness needs different groups to work together to find lasting solutions (Spinney et al., 2020).  It is not just a social issue but also an ethical and economic challenge that affects businesses, governments, and communities. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), more than 116,000 people in Australia experience homelessness each night. The main reasons include domestic violence, unemployment, mental health issues, and a lack of affordable housing (ABS, 2021). Many businesses face ethical challenges related to homelessness. Some do not pay fair wages, offer secure jobs, or provide enough support for employees at risk of losing their homes. Others may resist building affordable housing near business areas, which can make the problem worse (Parsell et al., 2020). One company in Australia that has struggled with issues related to homelessness is Woolworths. The company has been criticized for its role in increasing living costs, which makes housing less affordable. Reports show that many low-wage workers in the retail sector find it hard to pay for stable housing, with some employees even experiencing "significant hardship" due to rising living costs (ABC News, 2024). This highlights the need for businesses to ensure fair wages and better employee support (Smith et al., 2023). An example of a company working to reduce homelessness is The Big Issue, a social enterprise that gives people who are homeless the chance to earn money by selling magazines. This project provides not only short-term financial help but also long-term support, helping people rebuild their lives (Johnson et al., 2021). The Big Issue partners with businesses and policymakers to find solutions to homelessness, showing how companies can take action to make a difference. The Big Issue’s approach is a good example of ethical business practices. They collaborate with different companies to create job opportunities, spread awareness, and push for policy changes. Their work supports UNSDG Goal 11 by promoting sustainable urban development and reducing inequality (Davison & Whitzman, 2022). By helping to reduce homelessness, businesses can improve their corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs and also create a more stable workforce. Tackling homelessness is not only a legal obligation but also a moral duty that contributes to a stronger society.

References

ABC News. (2024, December 3). Woolworths shelves empty after union action, supermarket giant blames cost of living pressures. ABC News. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12-03/woolworths-shelves-empty-supermarket-woolies-union-action/104676230

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). (2023). Census of Population and Housing: Estimating Homelessness, 2021. Retrieved from https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/housing/estimating-homelessness/2021

Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS). (2022). Poverty in Australia 2022. Retrieved from https://www.acoss.org.au/poverty/

Brotherhood of St. Laurence. (2023). Programs to support vulnerable Australians. Retrieved from https://www.bsl.org.au/

Davidson, J., Memmott, P., Grant, E., & Parsell, C. (2020). Australia’s homelessness crisis: The role of housing, social policy, and business responsibility. Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute. Retrieved from https://www.ahuri.edu.au/

Flanagan, K. (2022). Social enterprises and homelessness: The impact of The Big Issue Australia. Journal of Social Policy and Business Ethics, 18(3), 45-62.

Foster, G., Gronda, H., & Mallet, S. (2019). Insecure work and housing affordability in Australia: The business connection. Australian Social Policy Journal, 24(1), 35-56.

Massola, J. (2024, December 1). Union threatens 'bare shelves' at Woolworths in Christmas lead-up. The Australian. Retrieved from https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/union-threatens-bare-shelves-at-woolworths-in-christmas-leadup/news-story/d82cf751b899a99ebf50fcf976eb609a

Mission Australia. (2022). Homelessness and social exclusion in Australia: A report on long-term solutions. Retrieved from https://www.missionaustralia.com.au/

Pawson, H., Milligan, V., & Martin, C. (2021). Housing affordability and the role of corporate landlords in Australia. Australian Housing Review, 29(2), 67-89.

Porter, M., & Kramer, M. (2011). Creating shared value: How businesses can solve society’s problems while boosting profits. Harvard Business Review, 89(1), 62-77.

Smith, R. (2023). Woolworths under scrutiny for wage policies amid cost-of-living crisis. The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved from https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/woolworths-under-scrutiny-for-wage-policies-2023

The Big Issue Australia. (2023). About The Big Issue. Retrieved from https://www.thebigissue.org.au/about/

United Nations. (2023). Sustainable Development Goals: Goal 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities. Retrieved from https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal11

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Homelessness and the cost of housing are significant and persistent problems in Australia, especially in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne. Rising housing prices combined with stagnant wages have substantially worsened these challenges, primarily affecting vulnerable and low-income groups throughout the country.

These pressing issues not only drastically diminish individuals' quality of life but also represent a broader societal challenge that demands urgent government intervention and comprehensive policy solutions.

Meeting basic necessities, including access to reasonably priced housing, is undoubtedly a fundamental moral duty of the state toward its citizens.

The Australian government has a clear and direct responsibility to ensure that all citizens can secure a stable and dignified home. Housing is widely recognized as a fundamental human right by international standards such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 25), which Australia has formally endorsed.

In an effort to meaningfully improve housing accessibility and reduce the prevalence of homelessness, the government recently allocated US$2 billion to states and territories for the construction of social housing (Australian Government's Treasury Department, 2023).

This substantial funding is specifically intended to expand the supply of social housing, directly addressing the critical needs of vulnerable populations and alleviating the growing national crisis.

Despite these important measures, many Australians continue to struggle desperately with finding stable and affordable housing options. For example, Lynette, a 66-year-old dedicated teacher from Melbourne, has been homeless for the past two years despite being gainfully employed. She has been patiently waiting on the public housing waiting list for nine years with no clear indication of when she might receive much-needed assistance (The Guardian, 2025). Her troubling case starkly highlights the significant disconnect between policy measures and the challenging everyday reality faced by many hardworking Australians, including essential workers who continue to suffer despite their valuable contributions to society.

Institutional discrimination and historical injustices further severely exacerbate the housing crisis across different regions. Indigenous populations in Australia are disproportionately affected by homelessness due to systemic inequality, insufficient government support programs, and the enduring impacts of colonization on community structures.

Additionally, young people and individuals with mental health disorders face heightened risks in the current housing environment. Many young Australians regularly experience unstable housing because of prohibitively high rental costs, limited job opportunities, and inadequate support networks. Meanwhile, those with mental health challenges often do not have access to specialized housing that can effectively cater to their specific needs, leaving them trapped in a devastating cycle of instability and uncertainty.

To combat these multifaceted challenges effectively, several ambitious initiatives have been introduced. One notable example is "The Road Home" initiative, which was launched with the explicit aim of halving homelessness by 2020 and providing supported accommodation for all in need (The Road Home, 2008). This comprehensive strategy emphasizes early intervention, improved service delivery systems, and holistic support—including healthcare, counseling, and employment assistance—to break the persistent cycle of homelessness.

The far-reaching consequences of insufficient action in the housing sector extend well beyond individual hardship. High housing costs and persistent homelessness significantly strain public services, including healthcare facilities, emergency housing programs, and welfare systems. Detailed research from the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI, 2022) has convincingly shown that every dollar invested in social housing can yield significant long-term savings in healthcare and justice expenses. Without effective policies to ensure affordable housing, social inequality will inevitably deepen and economic stability will be seriously compromised over time.

It is, therefore, absolutely crucial that the Australian government continues to bolster its efforts to ensure universal access to affordable housing and robust support for vulnerable populations. Increasing substantial investment in public housing, reforming outdated tax policies that inappropriately incentivize property speculation, and enhancing targeted support programs for at-risk groups are essential steps toward meaningful change. Through such decisive actions, the government can fulfill its moral obligation and help create a more inclusive, equitable society for all Australians.

References

The guardian, 2025, https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/mar/09/lynette-is-on-the-pension-a-casual-teacher-a-golf-instructor-and-homeless?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Australian Government's Treasury Department, 2023, https://treasury.gov.au

The road Home, 2008, http://mercyfoundation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/the-road-home-a-national-approach-to-reducing-homelessness-2008.pdf

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This ethical issue connects with UNSDG Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, which centures to ensure that everyone has access to safe and affordable housing by 2030. SDG 1: No Poverty and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities also relate to homelessness, which affects vulnerable groups such as Indigenous communities, young people, and individuals with mental health challenges. The rising cost of housing in cities like Melbourne and Sydney has led to more homelessness, as low-income groups struggle to find affordable housing (Coskun, 2023). While government policies, such as social housing programs, have tried to solve this issue, there are still problems in providing good enough support for disadvantaged communities (McDonald, 2014).

The high cost of housing creates ethical and practical problems for businesses. Workforce stability is affected because high living costs make workers to move far from city centers, leading them  to long travels and lower productivity. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) encourages companies to find solutions, such as investing in affordable housing, supporting charities, or working with housing organizations. Economic inequality can also increase thanks to a lack of affordable housing, leading to social tensions and lower consumer spending. In the past, businesses had little involvement in housing affordability, as it was seen as a responsibility of the government and non-profits. However, over time, companies have recognized they have and important role in supporting sustainable urban growth.

In Australia, businesses are becoming more involved in social projects to reduce homelessness (McDonald, 2014). Many companies now include housing programs in their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policies by ensuring fair wages, supporting affordable housing projects, and working with governments to find solutions. To go beyond the SDG 2030 and 2050 targets, companies can work closely with charities and government agencies to create low-cost housing. They can also provide housing support programs, such as helping employees find rentals or offering interest-free home loans. Also, they can support policies that regulate rent, increase social housing investments, and improve urban planning.

Three possible solutions could be Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), where companies and governments work together to fund affordable housing. Research shows that PPPs have been effective in Australia (McDonald, 2014). Another option is Ethical Real Estate Development, where real estate companies focus on affordable housing instead of luxury apartments. Studies show that gentrification increases homelessness, making responsible urban planning necessary (Coskun, 2023). A third solution is Employer-Led Housing Programs, where companies offer housing support, such as lower-cost rentals for workers, which can help improve job stability and overall well-being (Pauly et al., 2014).

Australia has introduced several policies to address homelessness and housing affordability. Programs like the Social and Affordable Housing Fund (SAHF) provide long-term funding for housing projects, while the National Housing and Homelessness Agreement (NHHA) helps state governments improve housing affordability. Additionally, rental assistance programs support low-income families by reducing housing insecurity. While these efforts are helpful, businesses need to do more. Providing housing support for workers and promoting ethical real estate practices can help reduce homelessness and make housing more affordable. Solving this issue requires cooperation between governments, businesses, and society. By supporting SDG 11, companies can help create a fairer housing system that benefits both individuals and the economy.

References

·        Coskun, Y. (2023). Housing affordability: An econometric framing for policy discussions. International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis, 16(2), 374-407. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJHMA-01-2022-0015

·        McDonald, S. (2014). Social partnerships addressing affordable housing and homelessness in Australia. International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis, 7(2), 218-232. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJHMA-10-2012-0046

·        Pauly, B., Wallace, B., & Perkin, K. (2014). Approaches to evaluation of homelessness interventions. Housing, Care and Support, 17(4), 177-187. https://doi.org/10.1108/HCS-07-2014-0017

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As a community, we should be involved on this ongoing ethical issue and we should collaborate and contribute not only individually but also collectively. First, we can support initiatives that address this challenge and we can start with small actions that have big impact such as donating food or essential goods to shelters, or even providing employment opportunities to the people affected by homelessness. Furthermore, as a community we could have bigger impact if we were involving ourselves more in order to impact this ethical and UNSDG goal. We propose two additional resolutions that could be implemented. Firstly, individuals and community groups could advocate for the expansion of Housing First programs, which prioritize providing stable housing before addressing other social and health issues. Studies have shown that Housing First models significantly reduce chronic homelessness and improve long-term stability (Johnson & Scutella, 2018). Secondly, businesses and governments should create employment programs tailored to people experiencing homelessness, by creating and offering job training programs and subsiding this employment initiatives. Research indicates that employment plays a crucial role in breaking the cycle of homelessness, as stable income enables them to secure and maintain a more stable life and housing (Johnson & Scutella, 2018).

Homelessness is not only an ethical issue, it is also a human rights violation, as outlined by the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC), which emphasizes the right to adequate housing as a fundamental aspect of human dignity (AHRC, 2008). Furthermore, Launch Housing (2023) highlights that homelessness is not just a social crisis but a health emergency, as people experiencing homelessness face significantly higher mortality rates and increased vulnerability to diseases. (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2025). The need for these solutions is evident, as recent statistics show that over 122,000 people experience homelessness on any given night in Australia (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2021).

We believe that our proposed solutions could make a significant difference by addressing the needs and also pushing for long-term changes within the system. The Housing First model provides a proven, cost-effective solution that prioritizes stability and dignity, while employment pathways promote long-term self-sufficiency. We believe that other current measures just focus on short-term crisis management, and these solutions offer long-term ways for reintegrating homeless people more efficiently into society.

Launch Housing, "Homelessness is a Health Emergency" (2023), https://www.launchhousing.org.au/homelessness-is-a-health-emergency/

Australian Bureau of Statistics (2021). "Estimating Homelessness: Census". https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/housing/estimating-homelessness-census/latest-release

Johnson, G., & Scutella, R. (2018). Understanding the cycle of homelessness: The role of employment and income support. Melbourne Institute Working Paper No. 1/18.  https://melbourneinstitute.unimelb.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/2690823/wp2018n01.pdf

"Ten Facts You Need to Know About Homelessness and Human Rights". (2023) https://www.feantsa.org/en/news/2023/12/11/ten-facts-you-need-to-know-about-homelessness-and-human-rights?bcParent=26

United Nations, "Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities" (2023), https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal11

Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC), "Homelessness: Human Rights Issue" (2008), https://humanrights.gov.au/sites/default/files/content/letstalkaboutrights/downloads/HRA_homeless.pdf

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Estimates of people who were experiencing homelessness or marginally housed as calculated from the Census of Population and Housing

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After all the research done, we believe that homelessness is not just an ethical dilemma but is also a current social crisis that needs urgent action. The UNSDGs help governments and individuals by providing a framework that addresses the systemic inequalities, and businesses and communities play a crucial role in their implementation and their improvement by acting towards reducing this inequalities.

On the other hand, businesses can contribute to this challenge by adopting social responsibility initiatives, supporting the affordable housing programs, and ensuring fair wages that could allow individuals to maintain stable living conditions (United Nations, 2023). From a business perspective, the ethical responsibility aligns with their corporate social responsibility by fostering sustainable practices that could be benefitial for society and their economic growth. On an personal level, collaborating directly and advocating in favor to this practices ensure more tangible improvements in the lives of all the affected.
The Australian Human Rights Commission says that businesses have a moral and legal obligation to uphold human rights including the right to adequate housing (AHRC, 2008). Additionally, the health risks tied to homelessness, as mentioned by Launch Housing (2023), underscore the moral responsibility that businesses and governments should take immediate action.

Our proposed solutions, offer a more sustainable and impactful interventions compared to ongoing strategies. By ensuring individuals have stable housing as a foundation and creating job opportunities fitted to their needs, homelessness can be addressed more efficiently. Unlike other strategies that may focus on short-term help, our solutions foster long-term solution while ensuring social reintegration. Businesses that engage in these solutions benefit from stronger communities, a healthier workforce, and improved public perception (Parsell & Clarke, 2019). Addressing homelessness ethically contributes to a more stable economy, improved public health, and a society where human dignity is upheld. (United Nations Human Rights, 2023)