Launching YWCA Australia’s New Policy Platform

YWCA Australia has launched its Policy Platform 2026: Safe Homes, Equal Futures, a new national advocacy framework that sets out a practical roadmap for delivering a more gender-equal housing system in Australia. 

Housing is now one of the most significant social and economic challenges facing Australia. Women and gender-diverse people experience housing insecurity at higher rates due to structural factors such as lower incomes, caring responsibilities, discrimination, and exposure to domestic and family violence. 

Our Policy Platform responds to this challenge. It sets out practical reforms to strengthen housing supply, improve affordability, and ensure the housing system delivers safety, stability, and long-term wellbeing for women and gender-diverse people. 

The Platform draws on YWCA Australia’s experience across housing development, frontline services, policy expertise, and the leadership of young women and gender-diverse people through our national networks. 

Our Eight Policy Pillars 

1. Deliver Housing Supply and Affordability that Works for All 
2. Recognising Housing as Essential Social and Economic 
3. Balance Scale with Impact in Housing and Service Delivery 
4. Build a Safe at Home, Safe Everywhere System for women, Gender-Diverse People and Families 
5. Fund the Specialist Services that Keep Women & Gender-Diverse People Safety Housing 
6. Make Renting Fair, Safe and Affordable 
7. Address the Gendered Drivers of Housing Insecurity 
8. Embed Young Women’s and Gender-Diverse Leadership in Housing Policy 

These pillars provide a shared framework for YWCA’s advocacy, partnerships, funding conversations, and public voice throughout 2026 and beyond. 

Read YWCA Australia’s Policy Platform 2026: Safe Homes, Equal Futures