Nearly two in five homeless people in Tasmania are under 25, according to Census data, prompting the state’s peak youth body to call for government action on Youth Homelessness Matters Day.
The Youth Network of Tasmania is pleading for the state and federal governments to prioritise the housing, safety and care needs of children and young people to end youth homelessness.
YNOT chief executive Tania Hunt said the crisis is persistent and unacceptable.
“The number of young people without a safe roof over their head and without adequate care and support, should be driving a far stronger and more urgent response from governments at all levels,” Hunt said.
In Tasmania, 39% of the state’s homeless population is under 25, with family and domestic violence remaining key drivers.
Hunt said much of the youth homelessness is hidden, with many young people couch surfing, staying with friends or living in overcrowded share houses.
Sage, 18, who has experienced homelessness firsthand, said the reality is relentless.
“Being homeless is exhausting. You’re constantly thinking about basics like transport, clean clothes and where you’ll sleep next,” Sage said.
“Youth homelessness might be invisible to others, but for young people, it’s constant and overwhelming.”
TasCOSS acting chief executive Lucinda Szczypior said financial pressure on households hits young people especially hard.
“Cost of living pressures, further amplified by the conflicts in the Middle East, are placing undue pressure on the ability for young Tasmanians to find or maintain suitable accommodation,” Szczypior said.
“As youth homelessness rates continue to rise and more young people find it impossible to secure housing or employment, it becomes increasingly difficult for families and communities to keep their young people safe.”
In 2024/25, 61% of people turned away from homelessness services were aged under 25.
“This demonstrates a homelessness system that is not adequately resourced to meet demand and is under significant strain, with services struggling to respond to both increasing numbers and more complex needs among young people,” Hunt said.
Opal, 24, pointed to the link between employment and housing access.
“If young people can’t access secure employment, how are we meant to access housing?” Opal said.
YNOT is pushing for cross-government reform and long-term investment to ensure every young person has a safe and stable place to call home.
