Time to deliver on housing

The conference began with an inspiring conversation between Indigenous housing leaders, Jody Broun, Shane Hamilton and Neil Willmett. Newly appointed Director-General of Housing in Commonwealth Treasury, Ben Rimmer, then shared his vision to address Australia’s significant challenges.  

Plenary sessions were structured around the key housing issues impacting Australians and policy responses. A highlight was the discussion of the need to increase housing supply: how do we do it and is this really the silver bullet for our housing challenges? David Reynolds, Chief Executive of South Australia’s Department of Housing and Urban Development, Professor Rachel ViforJ and Dr Tim Williams were joined by ABC journalist Natasha Mitchell for a lively and engaging conversation that will broadcast again on ABC Radio.

Other plenary sessions examined the rental crisis, the quality and performance of Australian housing, and visions for the future of social housing. As renting becomes the permanent tenure of more and more Australian households, NSW Rental Commissioner, Trina Jones, shared her passion for improving the rights and experiences of renters in New South Wales, while Dr Chris Martin challenged the audience with the idea that a policy focus on reducing renting might not be such a bad thing. 

With the race on to deliver more housing quickly, do we risk sacrificing quality in pursuit of quantity and what might be the long-term consequences? This was the topic discussed by Emma Williamson (Western Australian Government Architect), Dr Jefa Greenaway (Aboriginal architect), Liam Wallis (developer of industry-leading sustainable apartment projects) and Nicola Middleton (from community housing provider, BHC). Visions for the future of Australia’s social housing were presented (and sung!) by Professor Michael Lennon and Rob McGauran AO, in conversation with Stacey Broadbent, CEO of Aboriginal Community Housing Limited.

The conference program was wide-ranging but strongly forward-looking and focused on the theme that it is ‘time to deliver’ for Australian households. As always, strong representation from all levels of government (Federal, state and local) at the Conference was balanced by contributions from the community and not-for-profit sectors, and input from leading private sector voices involved with housing finance, property and development.

The inclusion of people with lived experience of housing vulnerability was once again a key feature of the conference program. Delegates valued their expertise and insight.

There was also a cross-cutting theme of the housing challenges and opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the on-going and long overdue need to deliver for First Nations households. 

The exhibition precinct was a vibrant hub for conference attendees. Alongside the many exhibitors, AHURI mounted an exhibition, Designing Australia’s Public Housing, showcasing the role of government in leading housing innovation and best practice.

Networking opportunities were embraced enthusiastically by delegates. A notable highlight was the Indigenous Business Australia Conference Dinner, featuring dancers and singers from Aliwah Cultural Entertainment. 

National Housing Conference will reconvene in Sydney in 2027. View more information about AHURI events.

Conference attendees will be able to access videos and presentations from recorded sessions in early November. Selected resources will be made publicly available on the AHURI website in early 2026.