Right to housing event shines a light on Australia’s housing crisis

Right to housing event shines a light on Australia’s housing crisis

In a thought-provoking event hosted by RMIT University, a panel of experts addressed the growing issue of housing rights in Australia.

The event, part of Social Science Week 2024 (9-15 September), saw academics and professionals from diverse fields engaged in a lively discussion about the challenges and potential solutions to Australia’s housing crisis.

Panellists included: 

  • The Hon. Kevin Bell AO KC, Former Supreme Court Judge & Monash Adjunct
  • Emma Dawson, Executive Director, Per Capita
  • Jorden van den Lamb, ShitRentals.com
  • Associate Professor Emma Power, Western Sydney University
  • Professor Cameron Duff, RMIT University. 
18 September 2024

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Group photo of panellists. The panel included academics and experts from diverse fields. Image: Chris Bowes.

Finding solutions for all Australians

Each speaker brought a distinct perspective on housing justice, shedding light on the barriers faced by renters, homeowners, and those living in precarious conditions.

Jordan van den Lamb, a social media influencer known for his reviews of poor rental housing in Australia, brought a unique perspective to the panel. 

Van den Lamb, whose advocacy on platforms like TikTok and Instagram has garnered significant attention and made him a prominent voice in the housing debate, highlighted the regression of housing standards in Australia.

“Renters are paying more for properties in worse conditions,” he said.

“Our human rights are literally backsliding when it comes to housing, and at the same time, we're seeing this incredible concentration of wealth go to landed kind of property investors in Australia.”

Associate Professor Emma Power from Western Sydney University, who has been researching housing insecurity for over a decade, shared her insights on the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on low-income households. 

“We envision a world of more just and caring cities,”  Power said, emphasising the need for a fairer housing system.

Panel members engaged in conversation. The speakers each brought a distinct perspective on housing justice. Image: Chris Bowes.

Professor Cameron Duff of RMIT’s College of Business and Law, discussed the role of social innovation in addressing complex urban problems.

“The political and social systems we inhabit have a history. Learning from these histories is crucial in finding solutions to housing issues,” Duff said.

The Honourable Kevin Bell, a former judge and housing rights advocate, stressed the government’s responsibility in ensuring the right to housing. 

“Only government can marshal the resources necessary to encompass everyone within the solution,” he said.  

Bell also highlighted the need for progressive planning to address housing challenges over time.

Emma Dawson, Executive Director of the public policy think tank Per Capita, discussed the broader implications of housing policies on gender equality and workplace relations. 

“We need to bring house prices down and wages up,” said Dawson, calling for systemic changes to improve housing affordability.

A call to action

The event concluded with a call to action, encouraging attendees to continue the dialogue and push for housing reforms. The panel urged policymakers, advocates, and the general public to unite in the fight for housing justice in Australia. 

About the event:

The Right to Housing event was held Tuesday 10 September at RMIT’s Storey Hall (Green Brain). Hosted by RMIT’s Urban Futures Enabling Impact Platform, the event was held as part of national Social Science Week that ran from 9 to 16 September.

Professor Jago Dodson, Director of the Urban Futures Enabling Impact Platform introduced the panel while the discussion was moderated by Professor Libby Porter, Director of the Centre for Urban Research.

 

Story: Nick Adams

18 September 2024

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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