Don Dunstan believed secure housing was a fundamental human right and, therefore, a primary responsibility of government. Don was involved in significant reforms in housing – he proposed innovative solutions to increase public housing and introduced legislation to strengthen tenant rights.
The Don Dunstan Foundation advocates for affordable and sustainable housing, with a focus on innovation. The Foundation’s work includes policy development, innovative projects, research and advocacy.
An area of growing policy concern is renting. Affordability, quality and the mix of available houses to rent are issues that require urgent attention. Increasingly more people are falling into the “missing middle” – people who don’t qualify for public housing, but who are struggling to afford good housing in the private rental market.
We’re seeing:
- A new wave of homelessness from people who have never accessed services before.
- Middle-income earners being priced out of rental markets.
- Private renters, single parents, the unemployed and First Nations communities disproportionately impacted.
- Pressure from higher income households further displacing vulnerable or lower income households.
- Pressure in the private rental sector causing bottlenecks in social and crisis accommodation.
- A rapidly changing affordability pattern across the state.
Housing policy is closely connected to our other areas of focus, particularly climate justice. In a housing crisis, the Foundation advocates for solutions that recognise the danger that heatwaves pose to human health, particularly that of vulnerable Australians.
See some useful papers below on the impacts of unaffordable housing and poor housing conditions on the Australian community, along with some implications for policy:
For more insight into this topic and the work that we do, check out the links to resources below.
Annual Housing Symposium
The Don Dunstan Foundation Housing Symposium is an annual flagship event dedicated to exploring the complex and evolving landscape of housing in Australia. Each year, the symposium delves into a new, critical issue or emerging topic within the housing sector, bringing together experts, policymakers, community leaders, and individuals with lived experience.
Its core purpose is to foster insightful discussions, share innovative research, and identify practical, home-grown solutions to the diverse challenges Australians face in accessing safe, affordable, and appropriate housing.
This year’s symposium focused on the growing role of rentals in the Australian housing mix, and the many challenges including affordability. Go here to read about our four bleak realities and four optimistic takeaways from the 2025 Housing Symposium.
Helpful Resources
Homeless Connect SA is a 24/7 state-wide telephone service for anyone experiencing homelessness in South Australia, offering help to find information and referrals into homelessness services.
RentRight SA offers free, independent advice and information for tenants living in private rental, social or public housing.
The Don Dunstan Foundation initiated the nation-leading Adelaide Zero Project and played a vital role in highlighting the issue of homelessness in our community. For the latest information about the Adelaide Zero Project click here.
Find out more about our past work on housing and homelessness in our resource library
