Panel discussion lifts the bar on private sector involvement in social and affordable housing

The Melbourne Discussion Series panel discussion and networking event was well attended on Thursday 1 June by a diverse audience interested in how private sector projects are delivering social and affordable housing in Australia. The panel included a wide range of perspectives, including an investor, a developer, a community housing provider, a researcher and a policy and planning expert, supporting a rich and varied discussion. The discussion brought together the findings of recent AHURI research with the on-the-ground experience of community housing and industry, including examples of Victoria’s leading partnerships delivering affordable build-to-rent.

The panel shared some brilliant insights and perspectives on inclusionary zoning, the role and best use of government subsidies, and how planning and policy settings can be used to promote the growth of a privately delivered and owned affordable housing sector.

Industry panelists Dan McLennan (Co-CEO, Local) and Carolyn Viney (CEO, Super Housing Partnerships) challenged assumptions about what developers and financiers want to achieve with their projects and lifted the bar on expectations of what is possible in this sector, while Steve Bevington (Managing Director, Community Housing Limited) brought an important Community Housing provider view. Panel discussion and audience Q&A explored opportunities and risks for the future of the developing affordable housing sector with insights from Nicole Gurran (Chair of Urbanism, Sydney University) and Richard Benedict (Research Associate, Sydney University). The excitement in the room (and over a networking drink afterwards) indicated this is definitely a space to watch.

Our Discussion Series heads next to Sydney on 15 June, where we will further explore private sector involvement in social and affordable housing, including the delivery of projects using gap finance. Tickets are selling fast, register here.

AHURI thanks our Discussion Series Partners: Marshall+Dent+Wilmoth in Melbourne and Lendlease in Sydney.