Tim James
Shadow Minister for Veterans
Natasha Maclaren-Jones
Shadow Minister for Homelessness
The NSW Liberals and Nationals are calling on the Minns Labor Government to expand veteran housing support to stop former ADF members falling through the cracks.
An estimated 5,800 former Australian Defence Force members experience homelessness over the course of a year.
During Homelessness Week, Shadow Minister for Veterans Tim James said it was a national disgrace that Australians who had served their country faced the risk of homelessness almost three times higher than the broader population.
“These are people who were prepared to risk their lives for our country. We should not accept veterans who have finished their service being left without a safe place to live,” Mr James said.
“NSW already has valuable programs and support staff, including Rent Choice Veterans and RSL LifeCare’s Homes for Heroes. But the continuing rate of veteran homelessness tells us we need to do more. Existing programs cannot be the limit of our ambition.”
Mr James called on the NSW Government to expand the capacity of veteran-specific services and provide more pathways into secure, long-term housing.
“Veterans face unique challenges and are at particular risk when they transition to civilian life. Some leave Defence without a conventional rental history. Others are dealing with injuries, unemployment or the breakdown of a relationship,” Mr James said.
“Homelessness is getting worse across NSW under Labor and veterans are among those at particular risk,” Mr James said.
Mr James also called for the potential conversion to veterans housing to be considered before the Commonwealth moves to divest dozens of Defence properties.
“Where Defence land is genuinely surplus and suitable for housing, governments should consider setting aside part of it for veterans before simply selling it to the highest bidder,” Mr James said.
“A home provides the foundation for recovery, employment and rebuilding family relationships. Veterans have already served Australia. Supporting them when they need a home is the very least Australia can do.”
Shadow Minister for Homelessness Natasha Maclaren-Jones said the Minns Government has failed to get a grip on the homelessness crisis, with a 42 per cent increase in the number of people sleeping rough across the state since 2023.
“Rents are skyrocketing, homelessness services are at breaking point, and tens of thousands are trapped in a system that can’t cope.”
The 2026 NSW Street Count recorded 2,308 people sleeping rough across the state, a five per cent increase in one year. The number has risen by more than 40 per cent from the 1,623 people recorded in 2023.
The next Census will be held on Tuesday, 11 August 2026 and will provide the next national snapshot of veteran homelessness. This will be a key statistic that policy makers must take note of and action.
