MACMILLAN Housing Policy in Australia: A Case for System Reform

This book, the first comprehensive overview of housing policy in Australia in 25 years, investigates the many dimensions of housing affordability and government actions that affect affordability outcomes. It analyses the causes and implications of declining home ownership, rising rates of rental stress and the neglect of social housing, as well as the housing situation of Indigenous Australians. The book covers a period where housing policy primarily operated under a neo-liberal paradigm dominated by financial de-regulation and fiscal austerity. It critiques the broad and fragmented range of government measures that have influenced housing outcomes over this period. These include regulation, planning and tax policies as well as explicit housing programs. The book also identifies current and future housing challenges for Australian governments, recognizing these as a complex set of inter-connected problems. Drawing on its coverage of the economics, politics and administration of housing provision, the book sets out priorities for the transformational national strategy needed for a fairer and more productive housing system, and to improve affordability outcomes for the most vulnerable Australians. Review “It is a concise resource for politicians, policy makers and advocates interested in addressing affordability and access concerns, and an essential guide for students of Australian urban and housing policy studies. … This new book on Australian housing policy concisely brings a selection of Australia’s research effort and experience to a wider audience, but it does more than this too. It outlines an agenda for reform.” (Julie Lawson, Journal of Housing and the Built Environment, November 28, 2020)“Housing Policy in Australia has already become the standard text on the topic. The book is comprehensive, incisive, and lucid. It will be required reading for students, practitioners, and policy makers. … as essential as the book is for students of Australian housing policy, its international comparative perspective makes it an important resource for housing studies throughout the ‘developed’ world. Nearly every chapter situates Australia’s housing problems and housing policies within an international context, comparing Australia to other countries in Europe and North America.” (Alex Schwartz, Housing Studies, September 2, 2020)“This includes a near-comprehensive explanation of why housing is so unaffordable and what governments can do about it. … the text is easy to read with its clear writing style, a balance of views and strong Organisation of the material. … This book is essential reading for anyone who wants the necessary knowledge and guidance to change that unnecessary fact.” (Ryan Harris, Shelter NSW eBulletin, February 21, 2020) Review “Pawson, Milligan and Yates carefully document compelling evidence on housing need and affordability to provide a contemporary and robust analysis of the when, where, how and why of housing problems in Australia. Moreover, the authors provide the policy solutions and actions to be taken by Federal, State and local governments, as well as the development, finance and property management industries.” (Ian Winter, Housing consultant, and Director, Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute 2000-17)“Housing Policy in Australia superbly harnesses international evidence and more than two decades of experience to not only analyse but also provide potential solutions to the current housing policy impasse. The book’s comprehensive canvassing of housing system diversity – tenures, social differentiation, historical trends – will become necessary reading for housing practitioners and students. The ambitious reform agenda proposed by the book deserves to be carefully digested and implemented by professionals working across the housing sector.” (Robyn Dowling, Professor of Planning and Dean of Architecture, Design and Planning, University of Sydney)“In this i