Philosopher Ingrid Robeyns, Professor Nicole Gurran, and housing market researcher Eliza Owen discuss the ethical foundations of the housing crisis in Australia and explore perspectives on good housing. They examine the ideological choices shaping the housing market, the politicization of the cap debate, and calls for government intervention. The impact of the housing crisis on quality of life and the role of neoliberalism are also explored.
Housing should be seen as a human right and not just an investment asset, requiring a moral and philosophical perspective to address the crisis.
Policy choices and marketization have contributed to increased inequality in Australia's housing market, demanding radical interventions like expanding non-profit housing and affordable housing requirements.
Deep dives
The importance of understanding the ethical and philosophical foundations of housing
Housing can be seen as a resource to meet essential human needs or as an asset for investment. The conversation should focus on the ethical implications and the choice between prioritizing housing as a human right or as a means of wealth accumulation. Neoliberal policies and the shift towards personal ownership have contributed to the current housing crisis. We must consider alternative options, such as limitarianism and increasing the share of social housing.
The impact of policy choices on the Australian housing market
Australia's housing market has become highly marketized and dependent on private ownership. Policy choices, such as subsidies for home ownership, have contributed to declining homeownership rates and increased inequality in the housing market. The financialization of housing and low interest rates have driven up housing values, making it harder for first-time buyers to enter the market. There is a need for more radical policy interventions, including expanding non-profit housing and incorporating affordable housing requirements in new developments.
The importance of secure and fair renting options
Renters in Australia face challenges such as short tenures and unaffordable rents. Renting needs to be made more secure and fair, allowing renters to have agency and a sense of belonging. Other countries have implemented rental caps and stronger protections for renters. The interplay between owning and renting should be considered, shifting away from an obsession with homeownership and towards common ownership.
Options for addressing the housing crisis in Australia
To address the housing crisis in Australia, a multi-faceted approach is needed. This includes expanding the supply of social and affordable housing, implementing rental reforms to protect renters, redirecting subsidies towards non-profit housing construction, and using planning powers to embed affordable housing in new developments. It is essential to have a constitution-level conversation about housing policy choices and expand the range of policy options considered.
Why taking a moral and philosophical lens to understanding housing can help us get out of the crisis in Australia – and create a fairer, sustainable system for all.
Author and citymaker Jess Scully hosts this conversation with philosopher Ingrid Robeyns, Professor and Chair of Urbanism Nicole Gurran, and housing market researcher Eliza Owen.
The recording of this conversation is from a live public event held on 4 August 2023 at the University of Sydney.
Visit the Sydney Ideas website for more info: https://bit.ly/3QCGz1i
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