Charity organisations are concerned at the lack of conversation about affordable housing and homelessness in the lead-up so far to the federal election in September.

Cec Shevels, CEO of the Samaritans charity group says both issues have failed to make a blip on the political radar, meanwhile cost of living pressures, particularly for rent are putting many people in an extremely vulnerable position.

Mr Shevels says there is plenty that needs to be done to improve the lives of many thousands of citizens living on the streets or on the housing margins.

"We do need to look at the issue, affordable housing and homelessness and I haven't heard either party say much about that and I'd like to see that raised again," he says, “it's so much more effective if the policies are right at the government level... we do need the government setting some leadership, but we do need the local community to pull together... we do need to feel reasonably confident that all people have a decent chance of finding somewhere to live that they can afford,” Mr Shevels said.