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 wait lists (Productivity Commission 2016). It is vital that an economically and socially sustainable framework for the provision of social housing is achieved. To meet this challenge, many innovative models are being explored both in Australia and internationally, including partnerships and financing arrangements involving a mix of public, private and not for profit agencies. Contextualisation of the need for better access to social housing is critical in addressing this demand. Given current fiscal limitations on governments across Australia, it is unlikely that significant funds will become available to address the considerable waiting lists for social housing. It is most likely then that government provision of social housing will continue to be targeted at those in severe need, while at the same time, further avenues for affordable housing will be addressed.