A TRANSFORMATION IN LESS THAN 12 MONTHS: FRANCOM RANKS #2 OVERALL IN INDEPENDENT NATIONAL SURVEY OF DEBT COLLECTION HARDSHIP PRACTICES, AHEAD OF MAJOR BANKS

Homelessness in Australia is an increasing social issue. In 2025, Australia faces a significant homelessness crisis, with rising rental stress, inflated costs of living, increasing long-term homelessness, and a pressing need for affordable housing solutions.

A person is considered to be homeless in Australia if:

  • They do not have access to safe, secure adequate housing
  • The only housing, they have access to is likely to damage their health
  • They are in circumstances that threaten or adversely affect the adequacy, safety, security or affordability of their home
  • They do not have security of tenure (that is, have no legal right to the continued occupation of their living area)

In January 2025, the Productivity Commission released the latest report on Government services which confirmed the deepening housing emergency in Australia. The report revealed that two in five (41.8%) of low-income renters faced rental stress and were at risk of homelessness in 2023-24, despite receiving Commonwealth Rent Assistance. Amid the housing shortage and cost-of-living crisis, the commission’s report showed that 37,779 individuals experienced persistent homelessness in 2023-24, surging by over 25% from previous years.

Undoubtedly, these findings call for a major change. Mission Australia urges the Government to implement a National Housing and Homelessness Plan that will prioritise prevent and long-term solutions, this includes a $500 million Homelessness Prevention Transformation Fund and a commitment to building one million new social and affordable homes over the next 20 years.

The Francom Effect

Francom has taken the initiative to raise awareness for the ongoing cause of homelessness in Australia. From our CEO participating in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout to holding fundraisers and accumulating donations towards organisations that cater for homelessness we aim to make a change in the lives of individuals for the betterment of society.

References

articles

Latest News

Francom Group has been ranked second overall in Financial Counselling Australia’s 2026 Rank the Bank report, achieving the lowest poor-performance rating among debt collection organisations. The independent ranking recognises Francom’s consumer-focused approach to recovery and reinforces its commitment to ethical collection practices, consumer support, and industry reform aimed at improving outcomes for Australians experiencing financial difficulty.
Francom shares key insights from the FCA National Conference, where discussions focused on financial vulnerability, access barriers, cultural capability and emerging scam risks. The event highlighted the growing importance of prevention, early engagement and consumer-centred support across the financial services sector.
The RBA has raised interest rates again, pushing the cash rate to 4.10% and intensifying pressure on Australian households. With affordability declining, rents rising, and financial stress increasing, this article explores what the decision means for homeowners, renters, and those seeking support—plus where to get help if you’re struggling.
Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services are rapidly reshaping how consumers shop—making purchases feel easier, faster, and more affordable. While these interest‑free instalment options offer convenience and budget flexibility, they also carry risks such as overspending, mounting debt, and financial strain. This article explores how BNPL influences consumer behaviour and highlights tools that support more mindful money management.
At Francom we understand the detrimental impact mental health can have on the financial stability of individuals and we’re here to support people to navigate these challenges with care and practical solutions.
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has confirmed updates to its Rules following a public consultation held between May and June 2025.