A Big Dialogue

There is widespread concern across society and the political spectrum in Australia that the postwar system, which produced a comparatively high level of home ownership and overall housing amenity, with positive social and political impacts, is in need of major revision or overhaul.

Negative supply factors have been building for a long time and push is coming to shove with the mounting demands of a diverse, growing population after an abnormally low interest rate period. Affordability has declined and shortages have increased, in both home purchase and rental markets, particularly but not only for young people.

There is also a growing imbalance between those with substantial equity in housing and those without. High values suit homeowners (around two-thirds of households), but not aspiring ones. High rents suit residential investors (say 20% of taxpayers) but not renters (leaving aside an increasing number who are renting where they want to live and investing where they can). Behind these stats there is clearly a crisis for many people under mortage or rental stress, most obviously for the homeless.

So there is clearly a large and growing problem, but what is the solution? 

Often disagreements are about means, not ends. Where there are disagreements about particular objectives, there can be agreement about underlying values and broad goals. If we start by exploring these, it might lead to more agreement on means. This seems worth a shot when it comes to discussions on housing policy, Hence the topic: Housing - What Do We Want To Achieve?

SPEAKERS:

Moderator: Peter Shergold AC FRSN - Former Secretary, Dept of Prime Minister Cabinet, Chancellor of University of Western Sydney and more

The panel consists of an economist, a developer, a social housing specialist and a town planner:

• Cameron Murray - Chief Economist, Fresh Economic Thinking; author of new book "The Great Housing Hijack"
• Claire O'Rourke - Owner/Director, Cohere Projects; active industry body representative
• Jackson Hills - Manager Policy & Strategic Engagement, Q Shelter; social and affordable housing advocate and director
• Natalie Rayment - Co-Chair & Executive Director, Wolter Consulting Group; Co-Founder, YIMBY QLD

There is always a full house for the Big Dialogues and some ticket categories always sell our early, so book now if you want to be sure of a seat.

Ticket cost is not an obstacle, with prices from $10 to $150. If someone really can't pay, they can post a promo video or selfie saying why they are interested in the event or TBD in general and receive a complimentary ticket. TBD is for everybody.

Timings:
Doors Open: 6:00pm til late
Dialogue: 7:00pm til approx 8.45pm