Download: Federal Labor’s Discussion Paper
Click below to download Federal Labor’s discussion paper, released 2 July 2007, and also our list of panellists and moderators.
New Directions for Affordable Housing: Addressing the decline in housing affordability for Australian families
Download discussion paper here as a PDF » Download list of panellists and moderators here as a PDF »
Agenda: Fresh Ideas to Improve Housing Affordability
Australia needs a National Summit to discuss fresh ideas that address the emerging housing affordability crisis. The Summit brings together key representatives from across Australia to take part in a panel of discussions to do just that. The following topics also form a platform for ongoing discussion.
08.30 Arrival and registration of guests
09.15 Welcome by Kevin Rudd MP
Federal Labor Leader
09.25 Address by Professor Peter Williams
Dr Peter Williams is a housing markets and housing policy consultant based in the UK. From 1997 to 2006, Peter Williams was Deputy Director General of the Council of Mortgage Lenders, the UK's mortgage lending trade body. Peter has held many academic positions, and is currently Chairman of the Thames Valley Housing Association.
09.35 How best to help first home buyers? – the economics of home ownership
To what extent does Australia have a housing affordability crisis? How do housing affordability problems impact on our economy? How can we encourage a savings culture in Australia? What is the role of interest rates and the cost of finance in housing affordability? How can we improve the affordability of quality homes in Australia?
10.20 How best to help first home buyers? – planning issues and home ownership
What is the role of land supply and planning policies in ensuring adequate supply of affordable houses? How can we ensure affordable housing in liveable communities with quality infrastructure? How can governments work together to improve the affordability of housing?
11.05 Morning Tea
11.20 Public and community housing
What are Australia’s social housing needs – for key workers, disadvantaged families, and indigenous Australians? How can Australia address the incidence of homelessness? What should be the role of the private sector in social housing? How can the Commonwealth State Housing Agreement be reformed and improved?
12.40 Lunch
13.30 Investment in private rental housing
Why does Australia have a shortage of affordable rental properties? What measures can be taken to stimulate investment in affordable rental properties? How might the Commonwealth Rent Assistance program be improved? What is role of property developers and private financial companies in expanding the supply of affordable rental housing?
15.00 Concluding remarks by Kevin Rudd MP
What are Australia's social housing needs – for key workers, disadvantaged families, and indigenous Australians? How can Australia address the incidence of homelessness? What should be the role of the private sector in social housing? How can the Commonwealth State Housing Agreement be reformed and improved?
