BREAKING: Urgent solutions to Australia’s housing crisis are on the table after a pivotal summit at the MCG on Thursday, where leaders from the Australian Co-operative Housing Alliance called for a radical shift towards community-run housing models. With home ownership slipping from reach for many Australians, the summit showcased co-operatives as a viable alternative to the current housing nightmare.
Latest reports indicate that over 250,000 individuals in Canada benefit from co-operative housing, a model that constitutes nearly 60% of Switzerland’s non-profit rental market and 17% of Sweden’s total housing stock. Despite this success abroad, less than 0.1% of Australian housing currently falls under co-op management, with the Alliance managing almost 3,500 properties worth nearly $2 billion.
At the summit, Liz Thomas, chair of the Alliance, stressed the urgency of adopting co-op models. “Home ownership is no longer achievable for many Australians,” she stated, highlighting how renters are often left vulnerable under the whims of unknown landlords. “What can Australia learn from other countries to create a viable alternative to the great Australian dream for those experiencing the nightmare of housing insecurity?”
The event attracted notable attendees, including Josh Burns, the Albanese government’s special envoy for social housing and homelessness, who acknowledged the rising insecurity in housing. He emphasized that “housing is not about bricks and mortar; it’s about safety, security, and the foundations of life.” Burns pointed out that nearly half of the residents in his inner-Melbourne electorate of Macnamara live in rentals, a figure that is “skyrocketing.”
Burns also referenced significant federal funding initiatives like the $2 billion Social Housing Accelerator and the $10.9 billion Housing Australia Future Fund, designed to expedite construction and enhance housing supply. As the third round of the Housing Australia Future Fund prepares to open soon, he expressed a commitment to ensuring co-op housing organizations are included in these plans.
“I’m keen to ensure co-op providers are not excluded,” Burns affirmed, hinting at a shift in policy that could reshape Australia’s housing landscape. The summit’s discussions have ignited hope for a new approach to housing, one that prioritizes community and sustainability amidst growing concerns of a deepening crisis.
As the conversation continues, the Australian Co-operative Housing Alliance is urging policymakers to consider innovative funding options that reflect successful international models. The implications of this summit could be transformative, potentially guiding Australia toward a more inclusive and secure housing future.
Stay tuned for more updates as this critical issue unfolds. The urgency for effective solutions has never been greater, and the time to act is now.
