The changing social, political, and political dynamics of Australia have resulted in numerous challenges that make it impossible for many people to achieve their objectives in life, including homelessness, violence, and criminal acts. The current demographics and forces of gentrification have triggered additional transformations in many neighborhoods across the country. Every region, city, and the urban area has an increasing number of homeless people than ever before. The Australian government and other key stakeholders need to examine the nature of this societal problem and implement appropriate social support systems to either shelter or reintegrate these individuals back into their respective societies.
Background
Homelessness remains a major social issue facing Australian society. Pawson et al. (2018) indicate that this predicament has worsened since cities and neighborhoods that never had destitute persons have continued to record increased numbers. According to the latest report by the government, around 8,200 citizens were identified to be homeless in 2016 (Falzon, 2019). The study went further to reveal that around 35 percent of the individuals lacked shelter completely (Falzon, 2019). Over the years, 0.4 percent of the country’s total population has remained homeless although the relevant agencies and institutions have been involved to empower more people and make it easier for them to achieve their economic goals (Falzon, 2019). Pawson et al. (2018) believe that the situation might get out of control unless appropriate initiatives are conceived or put in place. Most of the affected children will lack food or other essentials in life, including clean water, basic parental care. They tend to have increased chances of recording poor health outcomes. This form of problem exposes them to violence, abuse, and criminal acts. Such attributes explain why evidence-based advice or opinion is essential towards tackling this social problem.
Personal Opinion
The reality of homelessness in one of the advanced countries in the world today remains contentious and laughable. Australia has one of the best educational, social welfare, health, and military systems aimed at protecting the citizens and making it easier for them to focus on their dreams. Unfortunately, different agencies have ignored the nature of this predicament and how it affects the economic outcomes of many people (Pawson et al., 2018). It remains distressing for stakeholders to watch poor human beings suffer due to the government’s inability to alleviate or prevent their pains. It would, therefore, be appropriate for all stakeholders to examine the nature of this issue and apply superior measures to address it.
The government has been implementing several initiatives to overcome the challenge of homeless in this country. Unfortunately, its actions appear to deliver poor results due to the model it adopts. The inclusion of all key actors in this issue is an evidence-based approach whereby a multifaceted team will focus on the true causes of homelessness (Pawson et al., 2018). This knowledge will guide some of the best practices to encourage parents to take good care of the children and provide the relevant supplies or resources. Such a strategy will empower and prepare them for additional tasks in their lives.
The relevant authorities and departments in this country can begin by addressing some of the causes of inequality that have undermined the integrity of the entire society for many decades. Falzon (2019) acknowledges that an inclusive community is essential since all people find it easier to pursue their social and economic goals without prejudice or discrimination. They will receive high-quality education and start their businesses successfully in their respective neighborhoods. This form of empowerment will minimize the gap between the rich and the poor in every Australian society. The level of social mobility will increase and eventually ensure that only a small number of citizens become homeless.
The government needs to take additional measures to analyze and examine how disillusionment, poor economic attainment, and poor social integration contribute to homelessness. For example, Pawson et al. (2018) indicate that most of the welfare programs do not meet the unique needs of veterans and the elderly. These individuals are usually unable to work and to support themselves and their families. They also find it hard to provide the relevant support to their children or eventually begin to use illicit drugs. These forces work synergistically to force more citizens to become homeless. The consideration of these issues can trigger a paradigm shift and eventually meet the needs of more people.
The relevant authorities need to consider the role of rapid re-housing to address the challenges of those who are already homeless. Such a strategy means that those who lack shelter are identified and provided with permanent or semi-permanent structures. The government can use the power of policy implementation to ensure that the needs and expectations of such individuals are met. A new initiative can begin whereby those who are able to go back to their respective homes are allowed to do so. New campaigns can be essential to encourage more homeless people to seek help at the established shelters or centers (Parsell, 2019). The involvement and collaboration of all key partners and stakeholders will make it possible for the country to overcome this problem. Consequently, more people will get the required support and be ready to engage in activities that can transform their life experiences.
Finally, the idea of re-housing all homeless Australians needs to become a universal program that targets all cities, neighborhoods, and rural areas. A coordinated model is essential to ensure that the government and other members of the society work together to identify those who need additional support. This model will make it possible for the government to identify all homeless people and provide the relevant shelter to them. The practice needs to be pursued continuously because any delay will take the entire process back to the drawing board. Scholars and analysts can go further to complete additional studies in an attempt to address this problem and make it easier for more people to lead high-quality lives (Parsell, 2019). The beneficiaries will also require additional guidance, counseling, medical treatment, and social support due to the unique problems associated with homelessness. This approach will transform the Australian society for the better and promote economic development.
Conclusion
The above analysis has identified homelessness as a manageable challenge that the government has allowed to persist. Such a predicament affects the lives of many citizens, thereby making it impossible for them to achieve their maximum potential. The government and other key stakeholders should, therefore, examine the nature of this societal problem and implement evidence-based social support systems to either shelter or reintegrate these individuals back into their respective societies. Such a model will meet their needs and promote economic development and sustainability.
References
- Falzon, J. (2019). Homelessness and the house of lies. In Daily. Web.
- Parsell, C. (2019). We need a long-term fix for homelessness in Australia. In Daily. Web.
- Pawson, H., Parsell, C., Saunders, P., Hill, T., & Liu, E. (2018). Australian homelessness monitor 2018. Launch Housing.