Summary

This publication is one of eight state and territory supplements that accompany the 2009–10 national annual report on the use of government-funded specialist homelessness services (AIHW 2011a). Information to aid readers in interpreting the data is presented in the national report and appendixes (AIHW 2011i).

In line with the national picture, in the Northern Territory:

  • the majority of clients were female
  • the average age of clients was in their early thirties
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were over-represented relative to their population size
  • clients commonly sought support because of issues in their interpersonal relationships, particularly domestic or family violence
  • immediately following support, most clients were living in a house or flat, they were not employed, and their main source of income was a government pension or benefit.

Some other points of interest in the Northern Territory were:

  • the rate of use of specialist homelessness services was the highest nationally and was far higher than in other jurisdictions
  • there was a higher proportion of female clients than in other jurisdictions
  • male clients were generally older than those in other jurisdictions
  • the age of clients has increased in recent years, particularly for male clients
  • the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients was the highest nationally and was far higher than in other jurisdictions
  • the proportion of support periods that included a period of specialist homelessness accommodation was the highest nationally
  • clients were supported and accommodated for relatively short periods, with the length of accommodation, in particular, being the shortest nationally
  • seeking support primarily because of domestic or family violence was more frequently reported than in other jurisdictions
  • in recent years there has been a decrease in the need for specialist services, particularly psychological services, drug or alcohol support or intervention, culturally specific services, and health or medical services.
Previous page