The effective and appropriate provision of social housing as an integral part of the housing continuum, is increasingly difficult in light of current fiscal constraints, and changing and increasing housing need. In 2016, there were around 400,000 households living in social housing in Australia, with around 200,000 on social housing waiting lists1. Achieving an economically and socially sustainable framework for the provision of social housing is vital. To meet this challenge, many innovative models are being explored in Australia and internationally, including partnerships and financing arrangements involving a mix of public, private and not-for-profit agencies. Contextualising the need for better access to social housing is critical in addressing this demand for social housing. Given current fiscal limitations on governments across Australia, it is unlikely that significant funds will become available to address the considerable waiting lists. It is most likely that the provision of social housing by governments will thus continue to be targeted to those in most severe need, while addressing further avenues for those in need of more affordable housing.