Research in progress

This research project will investigate the scope and outcomes of technologically-enabled data collection practices in Australia’s private and social rental sectors. Current data practices, regulations and compliance will be examined to recommend appropriate data gathering, security and use, to improve protections for Australian renters.

Housing was identified as an important element in Australia’s Disability Strategy (2021–2031); however, this is a complex area for policy makers to navigate due to the mix of federal and state government responsibilities and the diverse nature of the group being served. 

Roughly one-third of Australian households rent their residential dwelling, and housing affordability is a particularly acute concern for low and middle-income households in the private rental sector. Among other measures, governments have sought to address the issue by incentivising greater small-scale investment in the supply of affordable rental housing through the use of tax benefits, regulatory concessions and other policy levers. These efforts have had limited success, and incentivising small-scale investment in affordable private rental housing remains a challenge.

Current and future housing, infrastructure and service delivery needs of Indigenous communities are greatly affected by settlement and mobility patterns. COVID-19 has acted as a significant disruptor to patterns of Indigenous mobility.

Access to secure and affordable housing is increasingly unavailable for many Australian households, with high purchase prices, high rental prices, lack of dwelling diversity, low-quality design, and poor construction.