Edgar Liu

This report presents the findings from a process evaluation of the Justice Housing Program (JHP).
The JHP is a collaboration between the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Justice and Community Safety Directorate (JACS), especially ACT Corrective Services (ACTCS), the Community Services Directorate (CSD), especially Housing ACT (HACT), the social and community housing sector and non-government organisations.
JHP provides transitional accommodation for detainees exiting prison, who are… Show more

This report presents the findings from a process evaluation of the Justice Housing Program (JHP).
The JHP is a collaboration between the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Justice and Community Safety Directorate (JACS), especially ACT Corrective Services (ACTCS), the Community Services Directorate (CSD), especially Housing ACT (HACT), the social and community housing sector and non-government organisations.
JHP provides transitional accommodation for detainees exiting prison, who are assessed as suitable for independent, shared living. JHP is designed to assist clients in finding more permanent accommodation, as well as linking them to community services and other support networks. The program aims to contribute to the goal of RR25by25 of achieving a 25% reduction in the recidivism rate in the ACT by 2025 (JACS, 2020). Show less

Objectives and importance of the study: Most older Aboriginal peoples live in urban locations. Many of these people were displaced by the policies and practices that produced the Stolen Generations. As a result, access to ‘Country’ and cultural landscapes that are minimally impacted by urbanisation can be limited for older Aboriginal peoples, restricting the health and wellbeing benefits these environments promote. Study type: Qualitative study. Methods: Our study worked collaboratively with… Show more

Objectives and importance of the study: Most older Aboriginal peoples live in urban locations. Many of these people were displaced by the policies and practices that produced the Stolen Generations. As a result, access to ‘Country’ and cultural landscapes that are minimally impacted by urbanisation can be limited for older Aboriginal peoples, restricting the health and wellbeing benefits these environments promote. Study type: Qualitative study. Methods: Our study worked collaboratively with Aboriginal traditional cultural knowledge holders to observe and analyse how participation in a ‘cultural camp’ on a Yuwaalaraay sacred site in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, impacted wellbeing and connection to place among older Aboriginal people who were survivors or descendants of the Stolen Generations. Results: Eight participants (three women; five men) attended the cultural camp and took part in a yarning circle. Thematic analysis of the yarning circle uncovered memories of traumatic experiences of institutionalisation, including abuse and loss of Country, community, and culture. Experiences of the cultural camp generated a sense of reconnection, cultural pride, wellbeing and place attachment. The sensory experience of Country emphasised a sense of belonging and healing. Conclusions: Our findings reflect the importance of sensory-led experiences on Country for older urban Aboriginal peoples and reinforce previous evidence on the ‘therapeutic’ aspects of culture and natural landscapes minimally impacted by colonisation. Policies and resources supporting grassroots initiatives such as Aboriginal cultural camps are needed to ensure accessibility for older Aboriginal peoples living in urban places. Show less

This research investigates the key links between housing and poverty. Its purpose is to draw together different dimensions of the relationships between housing costs and poverty, including policy settings, tax and transfer systems, housing assistance and place-based dimensions and individual capabilities.
The causal relationships between housing and poverty are complicated. Housing costs commonly comprise the largest share of living costs and can increase the risk of poverty. Insecurity… Show more

This research investigates the key links between housing and poverty. Its purpose is to draw together different dimensions of the relationships between housing costs and poverty, including policy settings, tax and transfer systems, housing assistance and place-based dimensions and individual capabilities.
The causal relationships between housing and poverty are complicated. Housing costs commonly comprise the largest share of living costs and can increase the risk of poverty. Insecurity caused by excessive housing costs relative to income over extended periods of time can lead to entrenched poverty that can be hard to escape.
Reconceptualising poverty creates opportunities for targeted housing policy towards social goals. First, poverty should be identified as the consequence of policies and systems decision making. Second, poverty alleviation should be the responsibility of institutions of society acting in partnership with individuals experiencing poverty. It should not be placed upon individuals alone.
Seeing housing as a basic right, and of the need for a universal approach to housing provision, is necessary for poverty eradication. Both shelter and non-shelter housing outcomes need to be understood as valuable to society. This perspective aligns well with housing being reframed and understood as both essential infrastructure and an infrastructure of care. Show less

In Australia, ‘health precincts’ are increasingly touted as the new innovation hub. They perform important health care functions, and often incorporate vital research and innovation roles. As such, they do not only assist patients in recovery but also promote health and wellbeing to safeguard their patients, visitors and workers. Although their functions in disease care are unquestionable, less is known about whether and how health precincts promote health and wellbeing. Over the past decade… Show more

In Australia, ‘health precincts’ are increasingly touted as the new innovation hub. They perform important health care functions, and often incorporate vital research and innovation roles. As such, they do not only assist patients in recovery but also promote health and wellbeing to safeguard their patients, visitors and workers. Although their functions in disease care are unquestionable, less is known about whether and how health precincts promote health and wellbeing. Over the past decade, several audit tools have been developed to assess the degrees of, first, sustainability and, more recently, health promotion of individual buildings. No comparable audit tools, however, exist that can account for the role of health promotion of multi-building and multi-functional spaces like health precincts. This paper reports on a rapid review on the suitability of four existing built environment audit tools—the Health Facility Audit Tool, health impact assessments, the WELL Building Standard checklist, and the Built Environment Assessment Tool—for assessing the promotion of health in health precincts. Twenty-six papers published in English between 2010 and 2022 were included in this rapid review, many (n = 15) of which were critical assessment of one of the four tools. Our findings show a lack of application of such tools at the precinct scale, with many instead focusing on the city or metropolitan scale (n = 7) or individual office buildings (n = 5). For each audit tool, we report on the benefits and drawbacks highlighted. We conclude with suggestions on how these audit tools may be adapted for application at health precincts. Show less

The Green Square urban renewal area stretches across 278 hectares in the City of Sydney Local Government Area, between the Central Business District and Sydney Airport. It is one of the fastest growing areas in Sydney with 33,000 new residential dwellings built and 63,000 people expected to live in the area when complete. This end, this report presents the results of a community survey of residents and workers in the Green Square Urban Renewal Area in Sydney, Australia. This survey is… Show more

The Green Square urban renewal area stretches across 278 hectares in the City of Sydney Local Government Area, between the Central Business District and Sydney Airport. It is one of the fastest growing areas in Sydney with 33,000 new residential dwellings built and 63,000 people expected to live in the area when complete. This end, this report presents the results of a community survey of residents and workers in the Green Square Urban Renewal Area in Sydney, Australia. This survey is undertaken on a recurring basis every 2-3 years, to monitor changes to the social fabric over time as the urban renewal area develops.
The study was undertaken by researchers at UNSW Sydney, with the assistance and support of the City of Sydney Council. The aim of this research was to develop a survey tool for on-going assessment of social interactions and social cohesion at a large-scale urban renewal site that could be used to:
* Measure the nature of social cohesion and social interaction and identify opportunities and barriers residents face in contributing to social cohesion and community development.
* Understand the wellbeing of residents and workers, including their satisfaction with and attachment to the area, their local area preferences and desires, and their plans for the future.
In summary, 1,960 residents and 841 workers completed the survey in Green Square (513 respondents both lived and worked in Green Square). The survey results reasonably reflect the total residential population (with a margin of error of less than 3%) once a weighting has been applied to correct for a bias in the age of respondents. However, the survey results for workers also have a similar degree of error, it is based on a potentially outdated workers base population, and as such should not be considered representative of the total working population of the area. Show less

The Ashmore Precinct is one of the City of Sydney’s largest urban renewal areas. The 17-hectare site is being developed over the next 10 years into a mixed-use precinct which will eventually house around 6,000 residents. This report presents the results of a community survey of residents and workers in the Ashmore Area in Sydney, Australia. This survey is undertaken on a recurring basis every 2-3 years, to monitor changes to the social fabric over time as the urban renewal area develops. The… Show more

The Ashmore Precinct is one of the City of Sydney’s largest urban renewal areas. The 17-hectare site is being developed over the next 10 years into a mixed-use precinct which will eventually house around 6,000 residents. This report presents the results of a community survey of residents and workers in the Ashmore Area in Sydney, Australia. This survey is undertaken on a recurring basis every 2-3 years, to monitor changes to the social fabric over time as the urban renewal area develops. The study was undertaken by researchers at UNSW Sydney, with the assistance and support of the City of Sydney Council. The aim of this research was to develop a survey tool for on-going assessment of social interactions and social cohesion at a large-scale urban renewal site that could be used to:
* Measure the nature of social cohesion and social interaction and identify opportunities and barriers residents face in contributing to social cohesion and community development.
* Understand the wellbeing of residents and workers, including their satisfaction with and attachment to the area, their local area preferences and desires, and their plans for the future.
In summary, 1,318 residents and 650 workers completed the survey in Ashmore Area (454 respondents both lived and worked in Ashmore Area). The survey results reasonably reflect the total residential population (with a margin of error of 2.57%) once a weighting has been applied to correct for a bias in the age of respondents. However, the survey results for workers also have a similar degree of error, it is based on a potentially outdated workers base population. It is also possible that a large number of these workers are working from home. As such they should not be considered representative of the total working population of the area. Show less

The Western Sydney Health Alliance (WSHA) commissioned UNSW Sydney’s Centre for Health Equity Training, Research and Evaluation (CHETRE) to collaboratively conduct a research project with the Sydney Partnership for Health, Education, Research and Enterprise’s Healthy Urban Environments (HUE) Collaboratory that:
1. Reviews the development of healthy planning principles in Australia and internationally;
2. Assesses how State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs) and Local Environmental… Show more

The Western Sydney Health Alliance (WSHA) commissioned UNSW Sydney’s Centre for Health Equity Training, Research and Evaluation (CHETRE) to collaboratively conduct a research project with the Sydney Partnership for Health, Education, Research and Enterprise’s Healthy Urban Environments (HUE) Collaboratory that:
1. Reviews the development of healthy planning principles in Australia and internationally;
2. Assesses how State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs) and Local Environmental Plans (LEPs) applicable to the Western Parkland City align with and operationalise 12 healthy planning principles; and
3. Proposes a set of indicators that assist the WSHA to benchmark and monitor health equity outcomes in the Western Parkland City.
Conclusions
The lack of guidance on achieving equitable healthy outcomes is translated to the land use planning instruments reviewed, at both the NSW State (SEPPs) and local government (LEPs) levels of the Western Parkland City. Our review shows a similar lack of clarity over how equitable access—though acknowledged as important among all and not just specific priority groups—is to be provided. LEPs were observed to be more explicit about ensuring such equitable access among their respective councils’ communities. This is perhaps no surprise, given the more direct role councils have in local planning issues, including how such land use planning instruments may be applied in conjunction with other social and community planning programs. This is especially relevant given that the role of land use planning is primarily infrastructure and service provision, while social and community programming is needed to facilitate access and encourage their uptake. This latter role is not currently within the scope of the land use planning instruments reviewed in this project. Show less

This report describes a rapid review exercise on the place-based intervention approaches to improving the health and wellbeing outcomes of residents in the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW). The aim of this exercise is to inform the Cancer Institute NSW on their future policy and program developments in cancer prevention and screening.

This research looks at the appeal, benefits and disadvantages of living in retirement villages, as well as at the business models employed and how the Australian Government can help the sector to expand.
Retirement villages are a fast-growing housing sector: in 2014 approximately 184,000 Australians lived in retirement villages, equivalent to 5.7 per cent of the population aged 65 and over, a rate projected to increase to 7.5 per cent by 2025. Living in retirement villages saves the health… Show more

This research looks at the appeal, benefits and disadvantages of living in retirement villages, as well as at the business models employed and how the Australian Government can help the sector to expand.
Retirement villages are a fast-growing housing sector: in 2014 approximately 184,000 Australians lived in retirement villages, equivalent to 5.7 per cent of the population aged 65 and over, a rate projected to increase to 7.5 per cent by 2025. Living in retirement villages saves the health care system $2.16 billion, with $1.98 billion of those savings achieved by postponing residents’ entry into government funded aged care facilities; however the sector does not currently receive direct funding from Commonwealth or state and territory governments.
Retirement villages are governed by state and territory legislation in Australia, with each jurisdiction enacting its own set of regulations. A state tribunal in each jurisdiction provides independent, low cost and accessible dispute resolution in consumer or tenancy disputes.
The major providers active in the retirement village industry are for-profit companies who market their product as a ‘lifestyle choice’ to entice wealthy Australians to purchase accommodation. There is little prospect that small not-for-profit organisations will expand their retirement provision without significant government funding (in the form of tax breaks, subsidies etc.).
This research makes a number of recommendations, including a national ombudsman to support and advocate for the rights of older people navigating disputes with retirement village operators; greater transparency into fees and ongoing charges for retirement village residents; and building standards that ensure retirement village operators are responsible for providing accessible, universally designed residences and facilities. Show less

This paper reflects on whether and how the World Health Organization (WHO) inspires age-friendly policymaking across different levels of government. This is done via a case study in which we analyse the policies of Australia's three-tiered federated government system against the WHO's eight core age-friendly cities domains. Findings suggest that membership of the Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities did not appear to overtly inspire the development of age-friendly policies… Show more

This paper reflects on whether and how the World Health Organization (WHO) inspires age-friendly policymaking across different levels of government. This is done via a case study in which we analyse the policies of Australia's three-tiered federated government system against the WHO's eight core age-friendly cities domains. Findings suggest that membership of the Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities did not appear to overtly inspire the development of age-friendly policies across Australian governments. Content analysis shows there is an overwhelming policy focus on care and support services, with little attention to cultural diversity. This reflects an outdated portrayal of debilitation in later life and a lack of recognition of how diverse circumstances impact the ageing process and corresponding support needs. Our findings also reveal the challenges of a three-tiered federated system, where varying financial and authoritative capacities have influenced how different governments acknowledge and respond to population ageing. Notably, local governments—the main level of implementation targeted by the WHO—are invariably constrained in developing their own age-friendly policies and may opt to adopt those of higher levels of government instead. These challenges will likely impact other resource-limited governments in responding to the needs of their emerging ageing populations. Show less

The rapid expansion of the international student market, including within major Australian cities, over the past two decades has been part of a broader transition towards the commodification of educational services across the Global North. Academic institutions have responded by increasing their investment in purpose-built student accommodation, yet its development remains small scale and often unaffordable relative to growing demand and needs. A lack of affordable short to longer stay housing… Show more

The rapid expansion of the international student market, including within major Australian cities, over the past two decades has been part of a broader transition towards the commodification of educational services across the Global North. Academic institutions have responded by increasing their investment in purpose-built student accommodation, yet its development remains small scale and often unaffordable relative to growing demand and needs. A lack of affordable short to longer stay housing options means that many students migrating to Australia are forced to negotiate their own access to housing, either before or shortly after arrival. The transition towards digitally mediated access via peer-to-peer platforms has provided a universally recognisable set of emerging self-governing practices for negotiating shared housing access whilst also cultivating virtual student geographies for managing the inherent risks of migrating and settling in an unfamiliar environment. Drawing on aggregate settlement patterns and digital housing journeys of young students entering and living in Australia, this chapter discusses the move from local to distributed informal searches for accommodation, how it mediates arrival, access and settlement, and subsequently how it shapes Australian cities. Show less

Riverwood North is a large public housing estate in Sydney’s inner southwest. The NSW State Government has awarded PAYCE Communities the tender to regenerate the estate. Initiated in 2011 and also involving St George Community Housing Ltd (SGCH Ltd), the project is scheduled for completion between 2016 and 2020. It will include replacement of some 180 public housing units with 650 new homes – the majority for open market sale.
In addition to housing densification and diversification, the… Show more

Riverwood North is a large public housing estate in Sydney’s inner southwest. The NSW State Government has awarded PAYCE Communities the tender to regenerate the estate. Initiated in 2011 and also involving St George Community Housing Ltd (SGCH Ltd), the project is scheduled for completion between 2016 and 2020. It will include replacement of some 180 public housing units with 650 new homes – the majority for open market sale.
In addition to housing densification and diversification, the scheme will also include a new library, a community centre, retail provision, as well as a public park and other public open spaces. As part of the overall package, numerous social inclusion initiatives are also being rolled out.
Commencing in 2014, City Futures is undertaking a formative evaluation of the project. This encompasses (1) residents of the newly built homes; (2) former tenants displaced from the estate due to demolition (and are either not eligible or not taking up the opportunity to return), and (3) residents of the remainder of the Riverwood Estate not directly impacted by the physical renewal. It aims to reflect opportunities for residents to engage and contribute to decisions about the renewal, physical and social impacts of the renewal activities, and outcomes of the introducing large numbers of private households into the area. Show less

This research examines the policy and practice issues raised by increasing demand for public housing among older Australians, and how public housing authorities (PHAs) can support older tenants to age well.
Although most Australian states and territories have strategies in place to support ageing well among their older citizens, the explicit place of public housing policy and practice for older people within ageing well frameworks is limited. People aged 55 years and over now comprise 35 per… Show more

This research examines the policy and practice issues raised by increasing demand for public housing among older Australians, and how public housing authorities (PHAs) can support older tenants to age well.
Although most Australian states and territories have strategies in place to support ageing well among their older citizens, the explicit place of public housing policy and practice for older people within ageing well frameworks is limited. People aged 55 years and over now comprise 35 per cent of public housing tenants nationally. In the coming years it is expected the demand on the public housing system from lower income older households will increase significantly, with demand for housing far exceeding supply; an ageing population; inappropriate and inefficient stock; and increasing complexity in the needs of current and prospective tenants.
The various housing strategies of the states and territories recognise that governments, through their PHAs, have a responsibility to cater to the needs of their older residents. To age well across the life course, it needs to be remembered that tenants or prospective tenants have rights, desires, needs and, for the most part, reasonable community-aligned expectations for their housing.
It is both important and necessary to have frontline workers in the system (housing/property officers and tenancy practitioners) who are resourced and allowed to provide one-on-one support to address older people’s needs and issues. Show less

The South Sydney community, incorporating the urban renewal precincts of Green Square and Ashmore Estate, continues to experience significant changes as redevelopments take shape and the population grows. The City of Sydney council is working closely with the community to ensure services and amenities keep pace with these changes to the residential and commercial profile of the region.
In line with these endeavours, City Futures has previously carried out three community surveys in the Green… Show more

The South Sydney community, incorporating the urban renewal precincts of Green Square and Ashmore Estate, continues to experience significant changes as redevelopments take shape and the population grows. The City of Sydney council is working closely with the community to ensure services and amenities keep pace with these changes to the residential and commercial profile of the region.
In line with these endeavours, City Futures has previously carried out three community surveys in the Green Square urban renewal precinct. The first, a pilot study in 2013, was funded by UNSW Built Environment and supported by the City of Sydney. In 2014, the City of Sydney funded a more comprehensive, and more representative, survey of the Green Square precinct. This was followed in 2017 with a survey of a wider area that incorporated both the Green Square and Ashmore Estate renewal areas.
So that the City of Sydney can identify how it might best support communities’ social wellbeing associated with environmental, economic and social changes, it is essential to collect information about the experiences and desires of residents and workers. This includes their satisfaction with, and feelings of attachment and belonging to, the places they live and work, the nature of their social interactions and social cohesion, and their plans and desires regarding their local areas. To this end, this project provides a report presenting the results of the community survey alongside an overview of the implications of the survey findings for the City’s core functions. The previous surveys of the Green Square urban renewal precinct provided important information about the community with implications for community development, for open space and public domain planning, for building design and for place making.
The findings of the 2020 survey will inform the City of Sydney’s work in providing targeted community facilities, amenities and support services in the South Sydney area. Show less

This report presents the facts about the geography of poverty after housing costs (PAHC) in Australia. Taking housing costs into account provides a more accurate picture of material poverty by estimating the incomes that households have left to spend on their living expenses after the cost of their housing has been met and comparing these to overall poverty standards. The analysis reveals the impact of the housing market on the ability of low-income households to maintain a decent standard of… Show more

This report presents the facts about the geography of poverty after housing costs (PAHC) in Australia. Taking housing costs into account provides a more accurate picture of material poverty by estimating the incomes that households have left to spend on their living expenses after the cost of their housing has been met and comparing these to overall poverty standards. The analysis reveals the impact of the housing market on the ability of low-income households to maintain a decent standard of living. A key finding is that the vast majority of households living in poverty after their housing costs are accounted for live in private housing.
The analysis combines data from the 2015-16 edition of the Survey of Household Expenditure, Income and Housing with data from the 2016 Census of Population and Housing to estimate the distribution of incomes and housing costs across Australian regions. Estimates were calculated at the ABS’s Statistical Area 2 level of geography (approximately 10,000 population).
People can experience poverty after housing costs either because their incomes are low, or because their housing costs are high relative to these incomes. Patterns of PAHC across Australia reflect both these factors. Interactive maps of this analysis can be found online at http://povertyandinequality.acoss.org.au/maps and it is recommended that this report is read in conjunction with these visualisations to aid interpretation. Show less

This report presents the findings of the Energy Efficiency Decision-Making in the NSW Social Housing Sector project which aimed to identify and understand the opportunities and barriers that shape decisions made by social housing providers on the implementation of energy efficiency upgrades.

This report reflects on the findings of an international literature and program review that focuses specifically on the key factors that shape energy efficiency investments and improvements in outcomes in the social housing sector.

The latest Australian Homelessness Monitor shows the national homelessness rate is set to surge as short-term coronavirus and housing protections phase down.
The 2020 Australian Homelessness Monitor offers an independent analysis of homelessness in Australia. It investigates the changing scale and nature of the problem, and assesses recent policy and practice developments seen in response.
This is the second in the Launch Housing-commissioned Monitor series, conducted by the University of… Show more

The latest Australian Homelessness Monitor shows the national homelessness rate is set to surge as short-term coronavirus and housing protections phase down.
The 2020 Australian Homelessness Monitor offers an independent analysis of homelessness in Australia. It investigates the changing scale and nature of the problem, and assesses recent policy and practice developments seen in response.
This is the second in the Launch Housing-commissioned Monitor series, conducted by the University of New South Wales (City Futures Research Centre and the Centre for Social Impact) and the University of Queensland. Show less

Shared rental housing has long been one of the few affordable options available to low-income urban singles. Gaining access to a share rental dwelling has historically relied on ‘low tech’ communications such as noticeboards and classifieds, in relatively localised spatial areas. With the global proliferation of digitally mediated peer-to-peer platforms, the geographical reach of shared renting, including the opportunity for living with strangers, has expanded. Amidst declining affordability… Show more

Shared rental housing has long been one of the few affordable options available to low-income urban singles. Gaining access to a share rental dwelling has historically relied on ‘low tech’ communications such as noticeboards and classifieds, in relatively localised spatial areas. With the global proliferation of digitally mediated peer-to-peer platforms, the geographical reach of shared renting, including the opportunity for living with strangers, has expanded. Amidst declining affordability and growing precarity, the enhanced spatial flows and connectivity of peer-to-peer platforms provide a direct yet informal route into rental housing. In these informal spaces, singles rely on networks of ‘distributed’ rather than ‘institutional’ trust associated with formal rental arrangements. Drawing on interviews with urban singles in Australia, this paper explores the everyday informal practices of forming networks for shared access, negotiating the living agreement, creating a home and becoming an expert in the digitally mediated spaces of the shared rental household. The everyday informal practices of ‘distributed trust’ sheds new light on the spatially contingent ‘trust cultures’ emerging in shared renting. Despite narratives of a movement towards the more collaborative consumption of a sharing economy, enduring informal practices of opportunists and entrepreneurs that erode trust and a sense of home persist. Show less

Energy affordability is an increasing challenge for social housing tenants. In recognition of this, many social housing providers (SHPs) across Australia are placing stronger strategic emphasis on improving the energy performance of their stock (Milligan et al., 2015). There are a number of avenues through which SHPs can access assistance from local, state and federal government agencies to support this improvement. Support ranges from provision of information, funding to support implementation… Show more

Energy affordability is an increasing challenge for social housing tenants. In recognition of this, many social housing providers (SHPs) across Australia are placing stronger strategic emphasis on improving the energy performance of their stock (Milligan et al., 2015). There are a number of avenues through which SHPs can access assistance from local, state and federal government agencies to support this improvement. Support ranges from provision of information, funding to support implementation of upgrades to existing stock, and grant and low-cost loans to encourage improved energy performance in new constructions.
Despite the presence of both organisational desire and government support, energy efficiency improvements in the social housing sector have to date largely been limited. Activity has been restricted to new constructions, and small proportions of existing stock managed by SHPs with the capacity to deliver complex upgrade programs.
This paper explores the numerous financial, structural and institutional barriers that hinder energy efficiency improvements through 21 interviews with senior management at SHPs across metropolitan and regional NSW. These multilayered barriers are mapped out, and their prevalence among SHPs of different sizes and tiers of registration is explored. Successful strategies that some SHPs have employed to overcome these barriers are discussed. Through the interviews, the sector’s general framing of energy efficiency primarily as an asset management issue is highlighted, contrasting its motivations of improving tenant wellbeing and the liveability of the dwellings. Show less

Academic interests into energy poverty have been growing since the 1990s. These have ranged from quantitative measures and qualitative reflections, as well as ones that aimed to provide more nuanced definitions. These studies have, however, typically focused on single jurisdictions or across national borders, with very few examining the issue across different climatic and policy contexts within the same nation. This paper aims to address this gap by focussing on differences in climate… Show more

Academic interests into energy poverty have been growing since the 1990s. These have ranged from quantitative measures and qualitative reflections, as well as ones that aimed to provide more nuanced definitions. These studies have, however, typically focused on single jurisdictions or across national borders, with very few examining the issue across different climatic and policy contexts within the same nation. This paper aims to address this gap by focussing on differences in climate conditions, local policies and quality of the housing stock across Australia and reflects on how these factors each played a role, to varying degrees, in the prevalence of energy poverty amongst lower-income households across eight metropolitan and regional settings conducted as part of a recent study in Australia. Through a review of focus group, interview and workshop data, it especially highlights the more qualitative impacts of energy poverty, and how each of these factors come to influence the extent to which lower-income households experience energy poverty and the support they were able to access. Additional to the need for more contextualised measures of energy poverty, this paper calls for localised responses to alleviate the negative outcomes reflected by our participants in regard to both energy and housing policies. Show less

Social mixing has been part of government policies regarding estate renewals in many countries. It is mostly achieved through tenure diversification, such as introducing privately owned and rented dwellings. Concurrently, in many residualized social housing sectors, larger shares of tenants now have high and complex needs, including recently settled refugees. Therefore, social and spatial manifestations of multiculture have become more complex. Consequently, a non-tenure-related form of social… Show more

Social mixing has been part of government policies regarding estate renewals in many countries. It is mostly achieved through tenure diversification, such as introducing privately owned and rented dwellings. Concurrently, in many residualized social housing sectors, larger shares of tenants now have high and complex needs, including recently settled refugees. Therefore, social and spatial manifestations of multiculture have become more complex. Consequently, a non-tenure-related form of social mixing, primarily one of cultural difference, occurs. This article considers the unintended effects of wider policies around resettlement of refugees in the context of estate renewal. Considering Wacquant et al.’s (2014, Territorial stigmatization in action, Environment and Planning A: Economy and Space, 46, pp. 1270–1280) discussions of dissimulation and microdifferences, it reflects on the experiences of residents living on estates that are currently undergoing renewal in suburban Adelaide, South Australia, and reports on tensions that sometimes emerge between long-established and more recently settled residents as well as efforts (by managing authorities, support services and the residents) to foster cross-cultural engagement and cultural sensitivity on these estates. Show less

This report examines the role of policy in shaping social housing pathways (i.e. the changing experience of housing by tenants and their households over time and space) through a review of current social housing operational policies. It considers application processes, eligibility criteria, rent, use of premises, tenant-initiated transfers, portfolio management and tenancy management by landlords.
The social housing sector currently houses 396,100 households in a resource constrained… Show more

This report examines the role of policy in shaping social housing pathways (i.e. the changing experience of housing by tenants and their households over time and space) through a review of current social housing operational policies. It considers application processes, eligibility criteria, rent, use of premises, tenant-initiated transfers, portfolio management and tenancy management by landlords.
The social housing sector currently houses 396,100 households in a resource constrained environment. Between 2011 and 2016, government expenditure on social housing decreased 7 per cent from $1.42 billion to $1.32 billion, with the amount of available housing stock not keeping pace with the growing numbers of households experiencing housing affordability problems.
Social housing pathways are clearly impacted by the lack of housing stock that is fit for purpose and a lack of viable alternatives to social housing, namely a shortage of affordable, safe and secure private housing. Other key influences include the jurisdictional context; the long social housing wait lists, which have led to priority needs assessment and an increase in households in social housing with complex needs; the state of the private rental market; and the intersection of housing policy with other social policies such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Several of the policies affecting social housing pathways are strongly influenced by a need to manage the social housing wait list, rather than ensuring positive outcomes for tenants and their households. This research shows that this is not only a result of operational policies, but of the wider policy environment. In thinking about policy development options and reimagining social housing pathways, a focus on positive outcomes for tenants and households should be the priority. Show less

The extent and impact of energy poverty and deprivation are high on governments’ agenda. These impacts are particularly acute for low-income households, who may have less financial flexibility to afford energy and employ efficiency remedies. The homes that they reside in may also be less energy efficient for other reasons, including housing quality, split incentives and strata governance issues. While some policies and programs exist, how effectively they assist in addressing these various… Show more

The extent and impact of energy poverty and deprivation are high on governments’ agenda. These impacts are particularly acute for low-income households, who may have less financial flexibility to afford energy and employ efficiency remedies. The homes that they reside in may also be less energy efficient for other reasons, including housing quality, split incentives and strata governance issues. While some policies and programs exist, how effectively they assist in addressing these various issues is less widely known. Given the vast numbers of potentially relevant primary sources, there is a need to identify most relevant, reliable and unbiased secondary studies on this topic using systematic or meta-analytic methodologies.
The main objective of this rapid systematic review is to synthesise knowledge from secondary literature employing systematic review and meta-analytic approaches on the mix and effectiveness of policy and program options for improving the energy efficiency of the homes in which low-income households reside. The commissioned review question fits more with the scoping/mapping review definition than with classical rapid review. However, given the methodology used to find, screen and assess the studies, the “rapid review” label is also appropriate. Rapid reviews generally use simplified systematic review methodology to accelerate the review process, while still trying to minimise the risk of bias. Show less

This research critically reviews how different emerging digital and disruptive technologies are being incorporated into the housing, housing assistance and planning systems.
It examines the technologies’ key features; limitations to practical use; risks to housing providers, policy makers and housing markets; and how they might lead to greater efficiencies and new opportunities across the housing sector.
Some of the technologies described in this research—blockchain, digital planning… Show more

This research critically reviews how different emerging digital and disruptive technologies are being incorporated into the housing, housing assistance and planning systems.
It examines the technologies’ key features; limitations to practical use; risks to housing providers, policy makers and housing markets; and how they might lead to greater efficiencies and new opportunities across the housing sector.
Some of the technologies described in this research—blockchain, digital planning tools, automation—are at an early stage of development. The promise of some of these emerging technologies is that they have the potential to simplify the processes involved in siting, constructing, tenanting, selling and maintaining of properties in cases where that might not necessarily entail substantial regulatory change. These could include traditional governance functions like data registration and management; automating reference checking; access to property; and property or tenancy payments.
Two competing trends are emerging in relation to Australia’s housing and urban planning processes: one involves the centralising of data (often by governments and market processes), the other seeks to use distributed technologies that enact processes across a network without the need for central intermediaries.
Key issues for Australia are that while much work has been done in opening up property data assets across governments, significant work is required on data standards, privacy standards and data sharing across government, industry and the not-for profit sectors. Show less

Launch Housing has commissioned the Australian Homelessness Monitor 2018 (the Monitor), for this first-of-its-kind authoritative insight into the current state of homelessness in Australia.
The Monitor is an in-depth, independent longitudinal analysis examining the changes in the scale and nature of homelessness in Australia, as well as how social, economic and policy drivers influence these changes.
It brings together numerous existing data sets, in addition to in-depth interviews with a… Show more

Launch Housing has commissioned the Australian Homelessness Monitor 2018 (the Monitor), for this first-of-its-kind authoritative insight into the current state of homelessness in Australia.
The Monitor is an in-depth, independent longitudinal analysis examining the changes in the scale and nature of homelessness in Australia, as well as how social, economic and policy drivers influence these changes.
It brings together numerous existing data sets, in addition to in-depth interviews with a wide range of policymakers, service provider representatives and advocacy organisations; as well as an online survey of service providers. Show less

This research investigates how low-income renters access the private rental sector (PRS) and provides an evidence-base on changing practices and ways forward in shaping equitable PRS institutions.
The report examines three related intermediary pathways of tenancy access and management within the PRS for individuals and households with a low-income:
* the formal pathway is managed via traditional or mainstream real estate agent intermediaries and is governed by residential tenancy acts… Show more

This research investigates how low-income renters access the private rental sector (PRS) and provides an evidence-base on changing practices and ways forward in shaping equitable PRS institutions.
The report examines three related intermediary pathways of tenancy access and management within the PRS for individuals and households with a low-income:
* the formal pathway is managed via traditional or mainstream real estate agent intermediaries and is governed by residential tenancy acts within each state and territory in Australia. The formal pathway is the most common across individuals and households but is increasingly more competitive and difficult to access for those on low incomes.
* The informal pathway bypasses mainstream intermediaries to go direct to rooms and dwellings privately managed by landlords and sub-landlords, and is characterised by limited transparency and tenure protection; and
* the rogue pathway of last resort includes unregistered boarding house living arrangements or room rentals, including overcrowding within small apartments. Housing experiences within this pathway tend to be more exploitative, with increased risk of renting from landlords and sub-landlords who do not abide by or are not familiar with the relevant Residential Tenancies Act.
Reforms of rental housing assistance and regulation must seek to redress the growing imbalance in horizontal equity (treating those with similar incomes and wealth the same) and vertical equity (reducing the divide between those at the top and bottom of the income and wealth distribution). This includes reviewing the adequacy of wages, statutory incomes and rental assistance in view of rising costs of living. Regulation of informal rental practices, particularly in the context of online intermediaries and the growth of room rentals, must ensure that supply and access to urgent housing is not impeded, whilst also ensuring that tenants have adequate recourse to live in safe and secure rental housing. Show less

In the global push to lowering our carbon emissions by transitioning to renewable energy production and improving energy efficiency epitomised in the Paris Agreement in 2015, the importance of housing tenure to the adoption of low carbon living, particularly for those on lower incomes, is often not fully appreciated. Lower-income households are more likely to be renters on social benefits, and have limited ability to afford either the normally higher priced energy efficient appliances or access… Show more

In the global push to lowering our carbon emissions by transitioning to renewable energy production and improving energy efficiency epitomised in the Paris Agreement in 2015, the importance of housing tenure to the adoption of low carbon living, particularly for those on lower incomes, is often not fully appreciated. Lower-income households are more likely to be renters on social benefits, and have limited ability to afford either the normally higher priced energy efficient appliances or access renewables due to the problem of split incentives. In an environment of escalating energy costs, this can lead to energy deprivation, compromising social, physical and mental health and wellbeing. Through a mixed-method approach involving focus group discussions with lower-income households, interviews with stakeholders, and workshops with policymakers and support services, this paper focuses on recent findings from an Australia-based research project on the barriers that lower-income households faced in transitioning to low carbon living. It especially highlights the challenges – financially, mentally, and most of all structurally – private and social renters face in living out their support for a low carbon future. While the adverse outcomes of energy deprivation are similar to those experienced in other countries, tenure was noted as a significant contributor to these challenges and presented a number of barriers to the implementation of efficiency upgrades and other low carbon measures. This paper reports on tenure’s role in lower-income households’ experiences of energy deprivation and provides policy potentials in overcoming them. Show less

Contemporary urban life has been shaped by two momentous shifts over the twentieth century: these shifts are increasing global mobility and increasing housing density, and both have required changes to personal approaches to dwelling. They have been pronounced in Australia, which has moved from an imperial-colonial century to an Asian century in just over 100 years. Coupled with compact city policies in some regions, increased international migration has resulted in urban populations becoming… Show more

Contemporary urban life has been shaped by two momentous shifts over the twentieth century: these shifts are increasing global mobility and increasing housing density, and both have required changes to personal approaches to dwelling. They have been pronounced in Australia, which has moved from an imperial-colonial century to an Asian century in just over 100 years. Coupled with compact city policies in some regions, increased international migration has resulted in urban populations becoming more ethno-culturally diverse, and encouraged urban residents to live in closer proximity to each other. Such trends are evident in the expansion of apartment living in cities. In the academic literature, each of these global shifts has been addressed separately, with much less attention being given to the two together. This oversight is especially the case in places where these changes are experienced most profoundly—private multi-owned residential buildings that many and growing numbers of urban residents call home. The oversight is concerning because successful apartment living requires sustained participation and cooperation—how we dwell with each other matters. Without such forms of engagement and courtesies, apartment communities cannot run effectively or cohesively in terms of associational participation in management or of the everyday encounters of social life. Arguably, because global mobility is now so pronounced, engagement and civility require that people are respectfully observant of ethno-diversity. Yet our review of the existing literature on multicultural encounters and participation in multi-owned private apartment buildings suggests the need for more research on the intersections among global mobility, housing density, and apartment living. This paper begins to bridge this gap. Show less

The South Sydney community, incorporating the urban renewal precincts of Green Square and Ashmore, continues to experience significant changes as redevelopments take shape and the population grows. The City of Sydney council is working closely with the community to ensure services and amenities keep pace with these changes to the residential and commercial profile of the region.
In line with these endeavours, City Futures has previously carried out two community surveys in the Green Square… Show more

The South Sydney community, incorporating the urban renewal precincts of Green Square and Ashmore, continues to experience significant changes as redevelopments take shape and the population grows. The City of Sydney council is working closely with the community to ensure services and amenities keep pace with these changes to the residential and commercial profile of the region.
In line with these endeavours, City Futures has previously carried out two community surveys in the Green Square urban renewal precinct. The first, a pilot study in 2013, was funded by UNSW Built Environment and supported by the City of Sydney. And in 2014, the City of Sydney funded a more comprehensive, and more representative, survey of the Green Square precinct.
This 2017 edition of the survey expands to include residents likely to be impacted by the already underway Green Square renewal as well as those likely to be affected by the upcoming Ashmore renewal. It continues with the 2013 and 2014 surveys by focussing on measuring the social interaction and community cohesion among residents and workers. The findings will inform the City of Sydney’s work in providing targeted community facilities, amenities and support services in the South Sydney area. Show less

This is the second of two evaluation reports on the Better Places, Stronger Communities (BPSC) Program, which is transferring the management of designated South Australian (SA) public housing dwellings to the community housing sector. The Social Policy Research Centre and City Futures Research Centre, both at UNSW Sydney, were commissioned by Housing SA to conduct a longitudinal evaluation of the BPSC Program, where the management of 1,100 public housing dwellings across two estates in Adelaide… Show more

This is the second of two evaluation reports on the Better Places, Stronger Communities (BPSC) Program, which is transferring the management of designated South Australian (SA) public housing dwellings to the community housing sector. The Social Policy Research Centre and City Futures Research Centre, both at UNSW Sydney, were commissioned by Housing SA to conduct a longitudinal evaluation of the BPSC Program, where the management of 1,100 public housing dwellings across two estates in Adelaide was transferred to the community housing sector. The two estates are Mitchell Park, managed by Junction Australia, and Elizabeth Grove, managed by AnglicareSA Housing.
The purpose of the evaluation is to support Housing SA to assess the extent to which the BPSC Program objectives are met.
The evaluation takes a longitudinal qualitative approach, with primary data collection taking the forms of focus groups with tenants, and interviews and focus groups with service providers and other stakeholders. The first round of data collection occurred in November 2015 and the second occurred in August 2017.
The BPSC Program objectives and program logic indicate the domains in which outcomes are expected. The domains are: management and governance, property maintenance, community development and affordable living initiatives, tenant satisfaction and other tenant outcomes, and service delivery.
At the baseline data collection, it appeared that tenant satisfaction with the transition process was high. This trend continued at the second interval data collection, with many of the teething problems having been sorted out. Tenants were generally supportive of the CHPs and cited improvements in responsiveness, accessibility, repairs and maintenance, community development activities, energy-saving measures in their homes, and external environmental/streetscape upgrades. Show less

This is the first of two evaluation reports on the Better Places, Stronger Communities (BPSC) Program, which is transferring the management of designated South Australian (SA) public housing dwellings to the community housing sector. The Social Policy Research Centre and City Futures Research Centre, both at UNSW Sydney, were commissioned by Housing SA to conduct a longitudinal evaluation of the BPSC Program, where the management of 1,100 public housing dwellings across two estates in Adelaide… Show more

This is the first of two evaluation reports on the Better Places, Stronger Communities (BPSC) Program, which is transferring the management of designated South Australian (SA) public housing dwellings to the community housing sector. The Social Policy Research Centre and City Futures Research Centre, both at UNSW Sydney, were commissioned by Housing SA to conduct a longitudinal evaluation of the BPSC Program, where the management of 1,100 public housing dwellings across two estates in Adelaide was transferred to the community housing sector. The two estates are Mitchell Park, managed by Junction Housing, and Elizabeth Grove, managed by AnglicareSA Housing.
The purpose of the evaluation is to support Housing SA to assess the extent to which the BPSC Program objectives are met. This first report describes the policy context and background to the transfer and transfer objectives, from the perspectives of different stakeholders; and establishes baseline qualitative data on tenant expectations, concerns, and satisfaction with support and information offered in the early stages to the transition process.
The evaluation takes a longitudinal qualitative approach, with primary data collection taking the forms of focus groups with tenants, and interviews and focus groups with service providers and other stakeholders.
The BPSC Program objectives and program logic indicate the domains in which outcomes are expected. The domains are: management and governance, property maintenance, community development and affordable living initiatives, tenant satisfaction and other tenant outcomes, and service delivery.
At this baseline data collection, it appears that tenant satisfaction with the transition process was high.
In terms of property maintenance, the CHPs intend to inspect each of the transferred properties and plan maintenance and upgrades in response to property condition. Findings on each of these domains will be included in the second and final evaluation report. Show less

In the move towards low carbon living, the challenges faced by lower income groups are often overlooked. Recent rises in electricity costs disproportionate to income make this a more critical issue. Based on findings from focus group discussions with 164 lower income households and 18 stakeholders across 4 different climate zones in Australia, this paper reveals the barriers that lower income households face in improving their residential energy efficiency and in achieving low carbon living… Show more

In the move towards low carbon living, the challenges faced by lower income groups are often overlooked. Recent rises in electricity costs disproportionate to income make this a more critical issue. Based on findings from focus group discussions with 164 lower income households and 18 stakeholders across 4 different climate zones in Australia, this paper reveals the barriers that lower income households face in improving their residential energy efficiency and in achieving low carbon living. While limited financial capacity is generally understood as a significant barrier preventing lower income households from taking up technologies to achieve greater energy efficiency and transition to low carbon living, our findings show that a mix of financial and non-financial barriers exist. These include their ability to afford energy efficient household products, control over thermal comfort and energy efficiency levels of their homes, and lack of access to reliable information. These barriers are revealed to have significant impacts on the household finances, health, and social well-being of these lower income households. The concluding discussion puts forward policy suggestions on how some current assistance and incentive programmes encouraging low carbon living could be adjusted to ensure more equitable access, encourage uptake, and improve low carbon outcomes. Show less

This is the second and final report for the CRCLCL's research project RP3038, Lower income barriers to low carbon living.
The first report, Summary of focus group and survey findings (Liu & Judd 2016), detailed the findings from our focus group discussions with lower income households across four Australian jurisdictions. This final report focuses on the suggestions put forward by these lower income households during the focus group discussions and the stakeholders during their interviews on… Show more

This is the second and final report for the CRCLCL's research project RP3038, Lower income barriers to low carbon living.
The first report, Summary of focus group and survey findings (Liu & Judd 2016), detailed the findings from our focus group discussions with lower income households across four Australian jurisdictions. This final report focuses on the suggestions put forward by these lower income households during the focus group discussions and the stakeholders during their interviews on how assistance programs relating specifically to low carbon living may be improved. These suggestions were collated, categorised and discussed with policymakers and service providers in four policy workshops in August 2016, the outcomes of which are detailed in this final report. Show less

This paper presents preliminary findings of a recent research project on the barriers that lower-income households in four Australian cities – Sydney, Adelaide, Hobart, and Darwin – face in reducing their carbon consumption, and the impact of programs implemented by federal and state governments and support organisations to assist such reductions. Following a brief explanation of the methodology (policy reviews, focus group discussions with lower-income households, and interviews with support… Show more

This paper presents preliminary findings of a recent research project on the barriers that lower-income households in four Australian cities – Sydney, Adelaide, Hobart, and Darwin – face in reducing their carbon consumption, and the impact of programs implemented by federal and state governments and support organisations to assist such reductions. Following a brief explanation of the methodology (policy reviews, focus group discussions with lower-income households, and interviews with support service providers and advocacy groups), it outlines issues that underlie the complexity of carbon reduction among lower income households. These include housing quality and tenure; health conditions; and user understanding and perspectives on low carbon living and environmental decision-making. This is followed by a review of the types of carbon reduction programs currently available to households living in different Australian jurisdictions. The paper will then reflect on focus group participants’ views of their access to these programs, their perceived effectiveness in achieving genuine carbon reduction, and how these programs fit in (or not) to the less formal carbon reduction techniques already employed by lower income households. It also highlights the challenges and limitations support service providers and advocacy groups face in connecting lower-income households to carbon reduction programs. It concludes with a discussion of potential policy avenues to address the barriers to low carbon living and ensure the intended outcomes of these carbon reduction programs are met in the longer term for those on lower incomes. Show less

This paper investigates spatial trends of multigenerational adult families in metropolitan Sydney. Australia's immigrant gateway city, Sydney has high housing costs and infrastructure pressures, and planning policies support higher residential densities. In this context, the accommodation of persons living in multigenerational families is examined, by major region of origin, their geographies in Sydney, and by housing costs and constraints. Results highlight that cultural origins were… Show more

This paper investigates spatial trends of multigenerational adult families in metropolitan Sydney. Australia's immigrant gateway city, Sydney has high housing costs and infrastructure pressures, and planning policies support higher residential densities. In this context, the accommodation of persons living in multigenerational families is examined, by major region of origin, their geographies in Sydney, and by housing costs and constraints. Results highlight that cultural origins were influential in multigenerational household formations, and such formation is higher in areas of first and second ethnic community formation areas. Multigenerational living is also more common in middle ring and outer areas of cheaper housing. Implications are drawn for more nuanced housing policies in Sydney and comparable cities, given that detached and semi-detached houses were favoured by these households, whereas two-fifths of new housing constructed in Sydney in 2011 consists of two or less bedroom apartments. Show less

Proposals for the development of affordable housing are frequently opposed by local community members due to concerns about the potential deleterious impacts on host neighbourhoods. Using a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches, this paper considers whether there is any empirical basis for this opposition in the Australian context. First, a hedonic regression analysis is used to examine the impacts of 17 affordable housing developments on local property sales values in… Show more

Proposals for the development of affordable housing are frequently opposed by local community members due to concerns about the potential deleterious impacts on host neighbourhoods. Using a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches, this paper considers whether there is any empirical basis for this opposition in the Australian context. First, a hedonic regression analysis is used to examine the impacts of 17 affordable housing developments on local property sales values in Brisbane. Second, the qualitative impacts of affordable housing development on neighbours are assessed through a doorstep survey conducted with 141 householders in Sydney. The results of both the hedonic analysis and doorstep survey indicate that the impacts of affordable housing development on host neighbourhoods are likely to be slight in the majority of cases. We found that affordable housing development can have positive or negative impacts on property sales values, but that these impacts are minimal where they exist. Our doorstep survey findings revealed that 78% of people had experienced no negative impacts as a result of affordable housing development in their area. The paper concludes by considering the practical implications of our findings. Show less

Many people around the world live in households with multiple generations of related adults (multigenerational households). While more prominent in certain cultures, multigenerational living is also an important part of the lives of millions in societies where this arrangement has not been seen as ‘the norm’. Australia is one such case, where one in five people live in a multigenerational household. This article presents findings of a research project on multigenerational households in… Show more

Many people around the world live in households with multiple generations of related adults (multigenerational households). While more prominent in certain cultures, multigenerational living is also an important part of the lives of millions in societies where this arrangement has not been seen as ‘the norm’. Australia is one such case, where one in five people live in a multigenerational household. This article presents findings of a research project on multigenerational households in Australia, including a survey of 392 people, 21 diaries and 21 follow-up interviews to explore how multigenerational household members understand their own experiences of living together. It focuses particularly on whether they feel multigenerational living is a socially accepted living arrangement. The article concludes with a discussion about how these experiences and understandings of multigenerational family members may reflect changing social norms regarding the form and role of families in Australian society. Show less

This research examines the affordable housing industry’s current profile and capacity to expand housing options for lower income households.
For the purposes of this study, the affordable housing industry comprises non-government (for-profit and not-for-profit) affordable housing providers and the institutions and individuals that enable, support and regulate their work.
Key gaps in industry infrastructure include the absence of clear and consistent government and industry leadership; a… Show more

This research examines the affordable housing industry’s current profile and capacity to expand housing options for lower income households.
For the purposes of this study, the affordable housing industry comprises non-government (for-profit and not-for-profit) affordable housing providers and the institutions and individuals that enable, support and regulate their work.
Key gaps in industry infrastructure include the absence of clear and consistent government and industry leadership; a core industry data set; a financial intermediary to harness private investment.
For the industry overall, the main capacity issues identified so far concern: the need for scaled-up and predictable growth opportunities to promote further capacity development and strategic investment; and shortcomings in policy-making capacities and regulation.
There is a strong cohort of commercially-oriented and independent NFPs affordable housing providers with considerable capacity for further growth and development. Better utilisation of their capacity and realisation of scale economies could be achieved through a (preferably national) industry plan that sets clear affordable housing growth targets and is underpinned with secure and adequate subsidy streams, and more cost-effective private financing approaches. Balance sheet enhancement—via giving large CHPs greater control of managed assets—will also be beneficial to growth and efficiency goals. Strengthening the policy framework for affordable housing could also be expected to attract new entrants to the industry from both the for-profit and NFP sectors. Show less

The research reported in this summary of findings identifies the financial and non-financial barriers that prevent lower income households from reducing their carbon consumption.
It focuses on four vulnerable groups – single-parent families, large families of five residents or more, young single persons, and older households aged 65 or older – who may be more susceptible to changes in energy costs, and hence their ability to implement adaptive behaviours in reducing carbon… Show more

The research reported in this summary of findings identifies the financial and non-financial barriers that prevent lower income households from reducing their carbon consumption.
It focuses on four vulnerable groups – single-parent families, large families of five residents or more, young single persons, and older households aged 65 or older – who may be more susceptible to changes in energy costs, and hence their ability to implement adaptive behaviours in reducing carbon consumption.
In addition to identifying the financial and non-financial barriers lower income households face in reducing their carbon consumption, we explore the role of the non-profit sector in assisting lower income households who face energy hardship and/or are prevented from reducing their carbon consumption due to various barriers. The aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of assistance programs currently available, and provide suggestions for adjusting these programs where necessary in order to improve their access and outcomes. Show less

Community opposition to locally unwanted development is not inherently problematic, but it can be destructive where conflict between proponents and objectors escalates. This paper relates mixed-methods findings from a Sydney case-study where opposition to planned affordable housing projects was widespread but uneven. Five factors are identified that escalated individual opposition campaigns in this case: public notification procedures; sense of injustice; prejudice; strong campaign leadership;… Show more

Community opposition to locally unwanted development is not inherently problematic, but it can be destructive where conflict between proponents and objectors escalates. This paper relates mixed-methods findings from a Sydney case-study where opposition to planned affordable housing projects was widespread but uneven. Five factors are identified that escalated individual opposition campaigns in this case: public notification procedures; sense of injustice; prejudice; strong campaign leadership; and the involvement of politicians. We argue that these factors will likely also escalate opposition to the planned development of other forms of critical social infrastructure, and that an understanding of them can help minimise destructive conflicts between proponents and host communities.
社区反对当地不喜欢的开发项目，本身并没有什么问题，可一旦支持者和反对者之 间的冲突激化，就可能导致毁灭性的后果。本文是悉尼多方法个案研究的结果，研 究发现对规划的经济适用房项目的反对普遍存在但分布不均匀。在这些案例中，导 致各次反对活动的因素可归纳为五种：公众告知程序；不公正感；偏见；强有力的 运动领导；政客的参与。我们认为这些因素可能激化对其他形式关键社会基础设施 规划开发项目的反对。理解这些因素或有助于减少支持者和相关社区的毁灭性冲突。 Show less

The construction of social housing in gentrifying neighbourhoods can ignite contestation, revealing tensions between economic imperatives, social policy and neighbourhood change. With a view to understanding how the convergence of these agendas preserve unpopular, but socially critical housing infrastructure, the aim of this paper is to explore how the challenges social housing implementation encounters across these agendas intersect with a broader agenda for local democratic planning. Using… Show more

The construction of social housing in gentrifying neighbourhoods can ignite contestation, revealing tensions between economic imperatives, social policy and neighbourhood change. With a view to understanding how the convergence of these agendas preserve unpopular, but socially critical housing infrastructure, the aim of this paper is to explore how the challenges social housing implementation encounters across these agendas intersect with a broader agenda for local democratic planning. Using social housing as our empirical focus and directing attention to the gentrifying local government area of Port Phillip in Victoria, Australia, this paper reveals how a council’s main asset to support implementation – its policy frameworks – creates an urban narrative of social inclusivity and diversity. Through this case, we illustrate how elected officials and some residents draw from these policies to interject into episodes of community contestation, which we argue presents opportunities to expose and renew commitments to social housing over space and time. Show less

The research responds to the longstanding policy-maker and industry interest in improving performance metrics for Australian social housing; a sector encompassing both the public housing authorities and the not-for-profit landlord entities which cater for low and very low-income households.

Of the 18% of Australians aged 50+ who moved between 2006 and 2011, it is estimated that around half had downsized by number of bedrooms. The majority downsized into private housing in the general community and around one fifth into retirement villages. This paper compares the demographic characteristics of these two groups, circumstances leading to moving, considerations made in their choice of accommodation, difficulty of the moving process and their satisfaction with the outcomes. It draws… Show more

Of the 18% of Australians aged 50+ who moved between 2006 and 2011, it is estimated that around half had downsized by number of bedrooms. The majority downsized into private housing in the general community and around one fifth into retirement villages. This paper compares the demographic characteristics of these two groups, circumstances leading to moving, considerations made in their choice of accommodation, difficulty of the moving process and their satisfaction with the outcomes. It draws research on downsizing amongst older Australians. Distinct differences are observed in the age profile and employment/retirement characteristics of the two groups and to a lesser extent in relationship status and household size. Those remaining in the general community were less likely to have previously been outright owners and much less likely to be living in multi-unit attached and apartment housing. Retirement village downsizers were more likely to cite home maintenance, illness or disability of self or partner and/or death of partner as circumstances leading to moving, but much less so retirement, children leaving home and relationship breakdown. Important considerations in housing choices of retirement village downsizers were again more likely to be low maintenance, desire for a smaller dwelling and proximity to shops, health and aged care services, whereas those remaining in the general community were more consumption orientated in their preferences. Retirement village downsizers found the moving process a little easier and more affordable. The vast majority of both groups were satisfied with their downsizing outcomes, but for those who were dissatisfied, building/village maintenance issues, dislike of cohort living and unexpected costs were more important reasons for retirement village residents than for those in the general community who were more concerned about affordability, neighbourhood/social issues, poor design, construction quality and inadequate space. Show less

The importance of property ownership for feelings of control and ontological security has received significant academic attention. Yet tenure may not be the only indicator of control over one’s dwelling. This paper considers the importance of control within the household in relation to household members’ feelings of home and highlights the importance of one’s relationship with other household members and their relative control over decision-making and the use of space. It draws upon research on… Show more

The importance of property ownership for feelings of control and ontological security has received significant academic attention. Yet tenure may not be the only indicator of control over one’s dwelling. This paper considers the importance of control within the household in relation to household members’ feelings of home and highlights the importance of one’s relationship with other household members and their relative control over decision-making and the use of space. It draws upon research on multigenerational households in Australian cities, including a survey (n = 392), diaries (n = 21) and interviews (n = 21). Individuals’ feelings of home were influenced by their sense of control over their dwellings, which varied for different household members. This has significant implications for research on the meaning of home, and suggests that important synergies are possible between researchers concerned with the form and nature of social interactions within the family and housing researchers concerned with the meaning of home. Show less

This report seeks to understand strategic positioning and decision-making in the Australian NFP housing sector in 2013–14 by interviewing CEOs from 20 larger NFP organisations.

Downsizing and retirement village living are popularly regarded as the norm for older Australians, when in reality this accounts for only a small proportion of them. Most remain in their own larger detached homes in the general community for as long as possible, until disability or illness renders this difficult or impossible. However the design of most detached suburban houses does not facilitate ageing in place. Based on findings from two recent research projects funded by the Australian… Show more

Downsizing and retirement village living are popularly regarded as the norm for older Australians, when in reality this accounts for only a small proportion of them. Most remain in their own larger detached homes in the general community for as long as possible, until disability or illness renders this difficult or impossible. However the design of most detached suburban houses does not facilitate ageing in place. Based on findings from two recent research projects funded by the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute, this paper explores why most older Australians remain in their own homes, why those who do move or downsize do so, into what types of dwellings and tenure, and how they go about this process . The findings challenge conventional understandings of both housing utilization and downsizing. Underutilisation is largely a misnomer amongst older Australians and downsizing is relatively rare. Those who do downsize do so generally for lifestyle and reduced maintenance rather than financial reasons, yet there is a lack of supply of appropriately designed, located and affordable housing which ironically might encourage moving/downsizing to the benefit of the ageing population and the wider housing market. These findings also support the need to accelerate the adoption of universal design principles in both housing and neighbourhoods, a need also recognized by older people themselves. Show less

This report measures the extent of downsizing amongst older Australians (over 50 years of age), who is doing it, and the motivations, obstacles and financial and social consequences of downsizing.

Since 1981, the number of Australians living in a multigenerational household increased by nearly one million nationwide, so that one in five Australians now lives in a multigenerational household. This paper draws upon a detailed analysis of customised Australian Census data(1981-2011) and the preliminary results of a survey to showcase the changing profiles of households where multiple generations of related adults cohabit in the cities of Sydney and Brisbane, and discusses the reasons for… Show more

Since 1981, the number of Australians living in a multigenerational household increased by nearly one million nationwide, so that one in five Australians now lives in a multigenerational household. This paper draws upon a detailed analysis of customised Australian Census data(1981-2011) and the preliminary results of a survey to showcase the changing profiles of households where multiple generations of related adults cohabit in the cities of Sydney and Brisbane, and discusses the reasons for their cohabitation.
The paper reports that that forms multigenerational households take in Australia are much more varied than two-generational households where adult children have remained at home, which have been the subject of the majority of academic interest in multigenerational households to date (e.g. Cobb-Clark & Ribar 2009; Gee et al. 2003).
The Census analysis provides an important overview of multigenerational households in Australian cities, with a particular focus on the influence of ethno-cultural background on the likelihood of families cohabiting, and the availability of housing on the types and locations of the dwellings they commonly reside in. The preliminary survey findings presented add further nuance to the discussion and demonstrate that the reasons for multigenerational cohabitation are complex and varied, as are the experiences of living in such households.
The paper concludes with a discussion of how these findings contribute to the development of a more comprehensive understanding of the extent and nature of multigenerational cohabitation in Australian cities, the complexity of the reasons for and experiences of multigenerational cohabitation, and the implications of these findings for extending our understandings of the role of structural changes, changing social views and public policies on the form and nature of Australian households. Show less

In 2011, over four million Australians lived in multigenerational households where two or more generations of related adults cohabit. This accounts for one in five Australians, with proportions higher still in the major cities. This paper reports on the findings of a survey of people who live in multigenerational households in Sydney and Brisbane. The survey provides important information about how and why these households live together. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications… Show more

In 2011, over four million Australians lived in multigenerational households where two or more generations of related adults cohabit. This accounts for one in five Australians, with proportions higher still in the major cities. This paper reports on the findings of a survey of people who live in multigenerational households in Sydney and Brisbane. The survey provides important information about how and why these households live together. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications of these findings in the context of structural changes in Australian society and social and cultural views about the family. Show less

In response to a deepening housing affordability crisis and an impending economic downturn, governments in Australia recently introduced a host of policy initiatives and legislative mechanisms in an effort to boost the supply of affordable housing. In NSW, most proposals for affordable housing development in recent years were uncontroversial, but there was fierce and highprofile opposition from community members in a small number of Local Government Areas (LGAs). Here, opposition campaigns… Show more

In response to a deepening housing affordability crisis and an impending economic downturn, governments in Australia recently introduced a host of policy initiatives and legislative mechanisms in an effort to boost the supply of affordable housing. In NSW, most proposals for affordable housing development in recent years were uncontroversial, but there was fierce and highprofile opposition from community members in a small number of Local Government Areas (LGAs). Here, opposition campaigns received widespread media coverage and gained significant political traction. While there is an extensive inter-disciplinary literature on NIMBYism and the factors that underlie community opposition to affordable housing, particularly in the US context, almost no research has sought to examine the reasons that community opposition escalates in some places but not others. Through a mixed-methods retrospective case study of an ‘extreme’ instance of community opposition to affordable housing development in the Western Sydney LGA of Parramatta, this paper looks at how and why community opposition to affordable housing escalated between 2009 and 2011, addressing this gap in knowledge. The paper finds that the fierce opposition to affordable housing development in Parramatta was based partly in prejudice against affordable housing residents and issues to do with the planning assessment process, but may also have been fuelled by political manoeuvre. Show less

The regeneration of the Bonnyrigg estate in western Sydney takes a unique approach that it is being delivered through 18 stages over a 13-year renewal timeframe. This especially distinguishes itself from other previous estate renewal projects that, rather than relocating residents off-site and offering a right of return, it aims to keep a community (physically) intact and on-site throughout the renewal timeframe. This ambitious aim, however, comes at a cost to both the consortium established to… Show more

The regeneration of the Bonnyrigg estate in western Sydney takes a unique approach that it is being delivered through 18 stages over a 13-year renewal timeframe. This especially distinguishes itself from other previous estate renewal projects that, rather than relocating residents off-site and offering a right of return, it aims to keep a community (physically) intact and on-site throughout the renewal timeframe. This ambitious aim, however, comes at a cost to both the consortium established to deliver this estate renewal (Newleaf Communities) but also to the residents themselves. To Newleaf Communities, the complex logistics of rehousing residents on-site both temporarily and permanently necessitates long-term forward planning of its renewal strategies and extensive resources in preparing and assisting residents for these moves. For the residents, multiple moves are often necessary before finally settling into their new permanent home 3-4 years after first moving out of their original home. A longitudinal study, which included interviews with 97 Bonnyrigg families that are living through various stages of the renewal, was conducted during 2012. Outcomes of these interviews show that while the community physically remains ‘in place’ during renewal, feelings of ‘limbo’ and a sense of placelessness were pervasive amongst sections of this community. This paper will unpack this paradox of placelessness while remaining ‘in place’ and look to compare early tenant outcomes with other renewal projects. Show less

The ageing of the population is one of the major policy challenges of the 21st Century and has major implications for the future of Australian cities. Downsizing is often assumed as inevitable or necessary in housing and urban policy as a response to the ageing population, yet has been the subject of little research in Australia. This paper discusses the findings of a recently completed AHURI research project on downsizing involving analysis of ABS data, and a national mail survey together with… Show more

The ageing of the population is one of the major policy challenges of the 21st Century and has major implications for the future of Australian cities. Downsizing is often assumed as inevitable or necessary in housing and urban policy as a response to the ageing population, yet has been the subject of little research in Australia. This paper discusses the findings of a recently completed AHURI research project on downsizing involving analysis of ABS data, and a national mail survey together with in-depth interviews and policy forums in three states of Australia (New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia). Based on the survey findings and ABS analysis it provides an estimate of the extent of downsizing in Australia. It then explores how downsizing is conceptualised in the academic and policy literature as well as in the popular understanding of the older participants in the survey and interviews. It reviews evidence from the survey and interviews concerning the motivations of older people who downsize, the processes they undertake and their views of the economic and social outcomes of having downsized. Finally, based on the perceptions of downsizer survey respondents and interviewees and the policy forum participants, the paper concludes by considering the implications of this research for housing and urban policy. Show less

In response to the Global Financial Crisis of 2008-9, city planning in Australia has seen state governments embrace infrastructure packages to stimulate the economy. In particular, the delivery of social housing through the Social Housing Initiative (SHI) occurred through a fast-tracked method of planning. This represented a departure from the local statutory processes, which offer residents engagement opportunities and gave local government control of approving social housing construction in… Show more

In response to the Global Financial Crisis of 2008-9, city planning in Australia has seen state governments embrace infrastructure packages to stimulate the economy. In particular, the delivery of social housing through the Social Housing Initiative (SHI) occurred through a fast-tracked method of planning. This represented a departure from the local statutory processes, which offer residents engagement opportunities and gave local government control of approving social housing construction in existing established areas of the city. This paper examines how government strategies to deliver social housing in difficult economic climates impacted upon democratic planning in Australian Cities. Reporting on recent AHURI research that compared local opposition to affordable housing projects in two States within the period of the Commonwealth Government’s Social Housing Initiative (2009-2012), this paper draws on semi-structured interviews with State and local government planners, housing providers and politicians in Victoria and New South Wales. These interviews show that government stimulus programs, whilst delivering essential infrastructure to cities in a quick and efficient manner, can lead to the re-politicisation of its delivery. Drawing upon the emerging literature on post-politics, this research suggests that locally democratic planning practices respond to national/state government intervention strategies in a variety of ways, which is changing the politics of social infrastructure delivery. Show less

It is often assumed in housing and planning policy that there is a need for older people to vacate their larger family homes and downsize into smaller, more appropriately designed dwellings. However existing research suggests that most older people are satisfied with the amount of space in their seemingly ‘under-utilised’ homes and prefer to age in place with support services and, if necessary, home modifications. To what extent this is because of financial and other barriers to… Show more

It is often assumed in housing and planning policy that there is a need for older people to vacate their larger family homes and downsize into smaller, more appropriately designed dwellings. However existing research suggests that most older people are satisfied with the amount of space in their seemingly ‘under-utilised’ homes and prefer to age in place with support services and, if necessary, home modifications. To what extent this is because of financial and other barriers to moving/downsizing is less clear. Based on a recent AHURI research project, this paper explores the extent, motivations, processes and outcomes of downsizing via a national survey of 2,761 older residents and 60 in-depth interviews in three states (NSW, Vic, SA) and the implications of such findings for housing and planning policy. Show less

This report investigates the causal roots of local opposition to affordable housing projects in Australia. It shows that planning concerns can mask prejudice against low-income residents. However community opposition can be exacerbated by dismissive attitudes by government.

This report charts the range of pathways into and within the current Australian social and affordable housing system.

The impact of housing on students’ wellbeing has recently gained much media and political attention in Australia. The dire situation of students living in overcrowded housing was, for example, brought to the attention of the NSW Legislative Assembly by State MP Cr Clover Moore, who reported deceptive practices linked to overcrowding among international students in apartments in the Sydney CBD. Others have reported on rental stress resulting in some students residing in sub-standard… Show more

The impact of housing on students’ wellbeing has recently gained much media and political attention in Australia. The dire situation of students living in overcrowded housing was, for example, brought to the attention of the NSW Legislative Assembly by State MP Cr Clover Moore, who reported deceptive practices linked to overcrowding among international students in apartments in the Sydney CBD. Others have reported on rental stress resulting in some students residing in sub-standard accommodation. The recent political and popular attention on student housing and wellbeing is, however, yet to flow on to corresponding academic research investigating student housing options, experiences and outcomes. This is especially the case in relation to poor quality housing, unaffordable housing outcomes and how these affect the wellbeing of students and their overall educational quality and experience. The prominence of housing experiences in popular discourse about student wellbeing suggests that there is a large amount of untapped data in this area, data of great import to educational institutions, policy makers and the broader community. This paper presents our typologies of a range of housing options available to university students in metropolitan Sydney and Melbourne, based on customised data purchased from the ABS. We will also profile how these options (and their popularity) have changed over time through a time-series analysis and conjecture potential policy implications in light of these changes. Show less

This report argues that if the upward trend observed over the last 25 years continues it will have implications for policy-makers and other stakeholders in relation to a range of policy concerns, including urban planning and aged care service provision.

Under Housing NSW’s Living Communities Project, the southwestern Sydney suburb of Bonnyrigg, NSW, is being transformed from a socio-economically deprived neighbourhood dominated by public housing into a mixed tenure community. Learning from other neighbourhood renewal projects in Australia and overseas, Housing NSW is committed to better understand how the residents of renewal areas are affected before, during and after the renewal process. This is particularly significant for three reasons… Show more

Under Housing NSW’s Living Communities Project, the southwestern Sydney suburb of Bonnyrigg, NSW, is being transformed from a socio-economically deprived neighbourhood dominated by public housing into a mixed tenure community. Learning from other neighbourhood renewal projects in Australia and overseas, Housing NSW is committed to better understand how the residents of renewal areas are affected before, during and after the renewal process. This is particularly significant for three reasons. First, the project will be the first of its kind in Australia to be delivered through a Public Private Partnership model, involving a consortium of five public, private and non-profit partners. Second, it is also significant given the long timeframe of (re)construction and tenure transfer to and management by the non-profit partner, SGCH Ltd, reflecting diversification of public housing provision and the rise of the community housing sector in Australia. Third, there will be a sizeable increase in housing density, where expected population will increase from the current 800 households to more than 2,000, with much of the detached houses that now dominate the suburb replaced by triplexes and four-unit apartment blocks. With these major changes anticipated, three monitoring mechanisms were devised to review the progress and outcomes of Bonnyrigg’s renewal program. This paper showcases one of these mechanisms, a longitudinal outcome based research on changes (whether actual or perceived) to the quality of life and life chances of current and future residents. This longitudinal research, which commences in mid-2011, will be comprehensive by taking a resident panel approach, involving one-fifth of the suburb’s households, and spanning a minimum of five years. An oft excluded though highly perceptive group of residents – children and teenagers – are also included as part of the research in order to gain insights into the longer-term impacts of the neighbourhood’s renewal. Show less

This report seeks to understand appropriate models of service provision in social housing for Indigenous Australians. It builds on a previous AHURI study Social housing diversity and integration.

This report critically assesses the formation of Public-Private Partnerships and their ongoing operation beyond potential cost/benefit comparisons against traditional frameworks.