Research in progress

Rental vacancy rates are commonly cited in Australia and internationally as a key measure of housing market performance. In real estate economics there is a well-established inverse relationship between rental growth rates and rental vacancy rates across property sub-sectors, including residential, office, industrial and retail property asset classes. Rents and rental vacancy rates variations impact the expected profitability of new construction, future supply of rental housing and affiliated services. 

The allocation of responsibility for areas of public policy is often called 'machinery of government'. Housing policy in Australia has been governed by a variety of differently structured organisational units across the federal and state governments.

This Investigative Panel will establish the housing circumstances and experiences of temporary visa holders (TVHs) in Australia and provide critical evidence of challenges and opportunities in the development of housing policy and service provision. The panel’s findings will form a set of policy and practice recommendations to improve housing outcomes for TVHs.

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.