What future for public housing? A critical analysis

Final report
Image: yeowatzup / flickr

20 September 2010This report is the final output of a study that considers the long-term future of public housing in Australia and the capacity of State Housing Authorities (SHAs) to address household need and community sustainability. It presents an analysis based on data collated from international and Australian literature on public housing policy and on the experiences and informed views of key actors working in Commonwealth Government, state administrations and not-for-profit welfare agencies. The research is guided by the following set of questions:

  • What problems have arisen for the SHAs as a result of trying to manage housing stock in a period of tight budgetary constraints?
  • How have the major drivers shaping public housing provision (social, economic and political) affected its future role?
  • How might or should the SHAs prepare for the future policy environment to ensure that funds spent on public housing achieve sustainable policy outcomes?
  • To what extent is public housing viable in the current policy environment?
  • What alternative models of provision might be used in the future to enhance the
    broader role of public housing?

The findings of the report are set out in accordance with the three key thematic areas that were developed in the course of the analysis: financial context, drivers of change and future strategies.

Authors: Keith Jacobs, Rowland Atkinson, Val Colic-Peisker, Mike Berry and Tony Dalton.

Image: yeowatzup / flickr

Noticeboard

07 February 2012
The Productivity Commission has been asked to report within 8 months on Default Superannuation Funds in Modern Awards. The inquiry covers the design of criteria for the selection and ongoing assessment of superannuation funds for nomination as default funds in modern awards.
20 December 2011

On 18 November 2011, Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, Senator the Hon Kate Lundy, announced the establishment of an independent panel of eminent community leaders to conduct an inquiry into Australian Government services to ensure they are responsive to the needs of Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

08 December 2011

 

A number of community focussed citizens from across Australia are planning a two day meeting in Melbourne in March/April 2012 to discuss the establishment of a Community-led National Disaster organisation.