This report looks at trends in housing and housing assistance provided by governments in Australia in terms social housing and financial assistance in 2012-13. The report explores the various types of housing assistance provided to low-income households and special needs groups including first home buyers, Indigenous Australians, young and older Australians, people with disability, and those who are homeless. A high proportion of low income households spend more than 30% of their income on rent (42%). This creates a large demand for financial assistance (1.2 million receiving Commonwealth Rent Assistance) and social housing dwellings (over 200,000 on waiting lists).