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4922.0 - Information Paper - A Statistical Definition of Homelessness, 2012  
Latest ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 04/09/2012  First Issue
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Contents >> Overview of definition of homelessness >> OVERVIEW OF DEFINITION OF HOMELESSNESS

OVERVIEW OF DEFINITION OF HOMELESSNESS

The ABS definition of homelessness is informed by an understanding of homelessness as 'home'lessness, not rooflessness. It emphasises the core elements of 'home' in Anglo American and European interpretations of the meaning of home as identified in research evidence (Mallett, 2004). These elements may include: a sense of security, stability, privacy, safety, and the ability to control living space. Homelessness is therefore a lack of one or more of the elements that represent 'home'.

In brief, the ABS statistical definition is that:

When a person does not have suitable accommodation alternatives they are considered homeless if their current living arrangement:

  • is in a dwelling that is inadequate; or
  • has no tenure, or if their initial tenure is short and not extendable; or
  • does not allow them to have control of, and access to space for social relations.

The definition has been constructed from a conceptual framework centred around the following elements:
  • Adequacy of the dwelling; and
  • Security of tenure in the dwelling; and
  • Control of, and access to space for social relations.

These elements are explained in more detail in Chapter 4.

People must lack one or more of these elements to be defined as homeless. However, people who lack one or more of these elements are not necessarily classified as homeless. While homelessness is not a choice, some people may chose to live in situations that might parallel the living situations of people who are homeless. For example living in a shed while building a home on their own property, or on holiday travelling and staying with friends. These people have choice because they have the capacity to access other accommodation that are safe, adequate and provide for social relations. Having access to accommodation alternatives is contingent on having the financial, physical, psychological and personal means to access these alternatives (see Chapter 4).

This Information paper presents:
  • more detail on the elements and the conceptual framework underpinning the ABS definition in Chapter 4;
  • the context for the development of an ABS definition of homelessness in Chapter 3;
  • other definitions used to inform the ABS definition in Chapter 5;
  • the operationalisation and output of the ABS definition in ABS household surveys and Censuses in Chapter 6;
  • the process that was undertaken to develop the definition of homelessness in Chapter 7, including the areas of contention and the reason for the ABS's decision in these areas; and
  • ABS's future directions for further development of the ABS definition and its implementation in ABS collections (Chapter 8).


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