Owning a home has defined the Great Australian Dream for generations but the ongoing housing affordability crisis has brought into stark focus an issue many consider was years in the making.
So, what bold reforms are needed to restore housing affordability, housing security and revive the Great Australian Dream?
The University of Western Australia’s Public Policy Institute is hosting Reviving the Great Australian Dream as part of its Breakfast by the Bay series on Wednesday 30 July.
The discussion brings together housing experts who will unpack what reform has looked like in the past, why existing solutions have fallen short and where governments can go from here to ensure that everyone in our communities has fair access to housing.
Realising a secure footing on the housing ladder as a renter or homeowner has become a critical issue for many West Australians, especially younger generations and socially disadvantaged households.
The panel of experts includes: Tanya Steinbeck, CEO of the Urban Development Institute of Australia (WA); Kath Snell, CEO of Shelter WA; Kim Macdonald, Property and Urban Planning Editor at The West Australian; Professor Paul Flatau, Director of the Centre for Social Impact at UWA; and moderator Associate Professor Paul Maginn, Director of UWA Public Policy Institute.
Associate Professor Maginn said that despite at least two decades of policy attention, housing remained a challenge that governments were yet to meaningfully resolve.
“We want to unpack what’s really needed to make housing more affordable for as many West Australian as possible,” Associate Professor Maginn said.
“Western Australians deserve a fair go and this event will ask what’s missing from our policy toolkits and challenge both State and Federal governments to think bigger, be braver and act bolder when it comes to housing reform.”
The event will be hosted at The University Club of Western Australia on Wednesday 30 July from 7am to 9am at the Banquet Hall. Contact University Club reception on 6488 8770 or visit universityclub.uwa.edu.au for tickets and more information.