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Crushing cost of living pressures and sky-high rents have triggered a surge in Australians seeking homelessness support, with Tasmanians bearing the brunt of the housing crisis, AAP reports.

About 8,400 extra people accessed homelessness services in 2021/22 compared with the previous financial year, representing a 9.2% lift.

Tasmanian homelessness services had the biggest rise in demand, with an 18.9% increase in people facing homelessness over the 12 months.

Western Australia, South Australia and NSW also had double-digit percentage increases in demand for homelessness support, analysis of Australian Institute of Health and Welfare figures showed.

Australians have been doing it tough as surging inflation – rising 6.9% in the 12 months to October – continues to stretch budgets.

Worsening housing affordability has also played a role, with CoreLogic data showing average dwelling rents soaring 10 per cent in the 12 months to September.

The Homelessness Australia chief executive, Kate Colvin, said the increase in people facing homelessness should sound alarm bells “loudly”.

“Australia has record low unemployment and on the back of commodity prices, some of the healthiest public finances in the world,” Colvin said. “We can do more to assist people who have been left behind.”

The federal government has put the housing crisis at the top of its list in the new year, according to the housing minister.

This week, Julie Collins announced members of a new housing supply and affordability advisory body – which includes outgoing boss of property developer Mirvac at the helm – and released draft legislation for the new Housing Australia Future Fund.