This study in the state of New South Wales, Australia, explores what Specialist Homelessness Services being implemented in regard to consumer participation, what is working and what barriers to consumer participation have been encountered by both service users and providers. The study found that while consumers have some opportunities to participate, and that participation is beneficial, there were barriers to participation, such as staff attitudes and the nature of the consumer group. The implications of these findings for staff, consumers and future policy direction are discussed.