Research in progress

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.

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.

There is considerable variation in current approaches to Indigenous housing support across Australia and the system is experiencing significant challenges in improving housing outcomes. This Inquiry will allow us to move beyond this unsatisfactory situation to develop a longterm vision and framework to better support Indigenous housing. 

Australia is facing increased severity and frequency of rapid-impact natural hazards, including windstorms, bushfires and floods. All have the potential for substantial (and catastrophic) lasting environmental, social and economic impacts on communities and households. Associated damage to housing stock is a major aspect of concern. In enacting effective counter-measures – ranging from prevention, mitigation, preparedness, disaster response and recovery – institutional and organisational barriers are faced.

The responsiveness of housing supply to demand in Australia has long been constrained. Historically the supply of detached housing has not increased during periods of increased demand; instead, the time taken to complete construction increases.