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Members in the media
News coverage and commentary from Henry Halloran Research Trust members
Members of the Henry Halloran Research Trust regularly appear in the media to comment on housing, development and sustainability issues and policy.
2024
The Sydney Morning Herald reported a five-year high in the number of approved but unstarted housing projects in Sydney, highlighting the construction bottleneck. Emeritus Professor Peter Phibbs attributed this delay partly to the spike in interest rates since May.
ABC Online reported on the decline in housing development driven by rising costs, labour shortages, and competition. Professor Nicole Gurran noted that single households are simpler to construct, highlighting complexities in addressing broader housing needs. This story was widely shared across ABC networks.
Architecture and Design announced the upcoming Festival of Public Urbanism, hosted by the Henry Halloran Research Trust at the University of Sydney. Professor Nicole Gurran noted the festival will address the threats to public urbanism, including challenges in housing and urban planning.
ABC Online discussed the potential implications of the federal government's Help to Buy scheme. As the debate continues in parliament, Professor Nicole Gurran contributes her insights into how such policies might affect housing affordability.
ArchitectureAU published an article co-written by Emeritus Professor Peter Phibbs, which was originally featured in The Conversation. The piece discusses the inconsistent application of housing policies across Australian states and territories, highlighting the need for a unified approach to ensure housing is healthy, affordable, and climate-resilient.
Domain reported on the fragmentation of the Australian property market, emphasising the divergence in home prices across different regions. Professor Nicole Gurran highlighted that varying local factors, such as employment opportunities and cost of living changes, contribute significantly to this disparity. The article was widely syndicated.
Channel 9 News reported on the scarcity of family-sized units in Sydney, revealing that much of the new housing being built consists of one and two-bedroom apartments. Professor Nicole Gurran emphasised that this trend makes it difficult for families to find suitable housing, further complicating Sydney's housing challenges.
Yahoo News Australia published an article co-authored by Emeritus Professor Peter Phibbs, originally from The Conversation, discussing the essentials of creating housing that is not only affordable but also resilient to climate change and healthy for its inhabitants. The piece explores innovative approaches to achieve these goals, incorporating insights from the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI).
On River 1467, Dr. Greta Werner discussed a study focusing on livability factors in regional areas. The interview highlighted how accessibility to services such as transport, childcare, and healthcare plays a crucial role in the attractiveness of these regions.
On ABC Riverina, Dr. Greta Werner discussed a study she co-authored. The interview explored the motivations behind people's decisions to move to regional areas, providing insights into the factors driving this trend.
The Herald Sun reported on the Greens' potential policies targeting holiday rental homes like Airbnb. Professor Nicole Gurran highlighted that even though only 1 to 2 percent of properties in Australia are Airbnbs, their impact on housing availability is significant.
Smart Property Investment reported on a People's Commission report that detailed the severe impact of the housing crisis on Australians. The report led to calls for governmental action due to the widespread unacceptable living conditions. Professor Nicole Gurran emphasised the plight of those struggling to find adequate housing.
On 6PR 882 News Talk, Professor Nicole Gurran discussed the current housing crisis and the urgent need for policy action.
SBS TV highlighted key findings from a significant Australian housing report, revealing dire living conditions, with some individuals skipping meals and others living in deteriorating homes. The report involved contributions from former senator Doug Cameron and Professor Nicole Gurran.
Realestate.com.au reported on the Australian housing crisis, highlighting the demand for significant reforms, including abolishing investor tax concessions and overhauling rental markets. Professor Nicole Gurran noted the compelling testimonies heard during the discussions, underscoring the deep-seated issues in the housing sector.
News.com.au reported on the People’s Commission into the Housing Crisis, emphasising the dire need for government action to address the ongoing housing stress that leaves millions at risk of homelessness. Professor Nicole Gurran highlighted the urgency for change. This story was widely syndicated across News Corp titles.
CityNews Canberra reported on the stark discrepancy between political promises and actual outcomes in public housing development. Despite Canberra's population increasing by over 90,000 from 2012 to 2023, there was no corresponding rise in public housing units. Professor Nicole Gurran argued that the planning system, often blamed for insufficient housing development, is not as obstructive as suggested.
ABC Online reported on Cullacabardee, a town designed as a model urban community that once thrived with Indigenous families. The report mentions Emeritus Professor Peter Phibbs, who has extensively studied affordable and Aboriginal housing, shedding light on the town’s historical and current challenges.
Canberra CityNews discussed the gap between political rhetoric and action in addressing housing issues, highlighting the importance of effective planning systems. Professor Nicole Gurran argued that the planning system is not as much of a hindrance to housing development as often portrayed, calling for more soundly based strategies to improve housing availability.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported on a shocking finding about the Sydney property market, which surprised researchers. Professor Nicole Gurran provided commentary on the challenges of making property more affordable in Sydney.
ABC Online discussed the impact of short-term rental platforms like Stayz and Airbnb on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, where there are 13,000 short-term lets but only 745 homes available to rent. Emeritus Professor Peter Phibbs commented on how these rentals are changing the community dynamics in Noosa.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported on the impact of high housing costs forcing emergency workers out of inner-Sydney suburbs, noting that many now reside as far as 50km away. Research by Sydney University academics, including Catherine Gilbert, Zahra Nasreen, and Nicole Gurran, highlights the concentration of these workers far from their workplaces. This story was syndicated across Nine newspapers.
ABC Online reported on concerns regarding the NSW government's decision to sell land near Sydney CBD to private developers, highlighting criticisms from community spokesperson Kobi Shetty about broken promises. Professor Nicole Gurran noted the significant impact of such sales on the availability of affordable housing for essential workers. The story was also featured in ABC's Sunday evening news bulletin.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported on upcoming housing reforms by Premier Chris Minns to address Sydney's affordability crisis, with further changes expected next year. Professor Nicole Gurran commented on the government's initiatives, acknowledging their potential impact on housing development. The article has been syndicated.
Nine News Sydney, Professor Nicole Gurran discussed the challenges of insufficient public transport in supporting new housing developments in Sydney's outer suburbs. This issue is critical as it impacts the overall sustainability and liveability of these growing areas.
Koori Radio 93.7FM's "Sunday Big Brekky," Professor Nicole Gurran discussed the impact of rising regional rental prices. She highlighted that these increasing costs are contributing to a rise in physical and mental health issues among communities.
ABC Adelaide, Professor Peter Phibbs discussed the effects of short-term rental platforms like Airbnb on the availability and pricing of long-term rentals. He explored the broader implications of this trend on the housing market as a geographer, planner, social economist, and housing expert.
The Gold Coast Bulletin reported that tenants on the Gold Coast are among the most affected by Queensland's rent crisis, ranking the area as having one of the highest impacts nationally. Professor Nicole Gurran commented on the situation, highlighting the severe shortage of affordable and decent housing in the region.
On ABC National News, Emeritus Professor Peter Phibbs discussed the increasing profits that owners of short-term rentals are experiencing, highlighting the economic dynamics affecting the housing market.
News.com.au reported on the significant increase in rents across regional Australia, highlighting the disproportionate impact on First Nations communities. Professor Nicole Gurran emphasiaed the acute challenges these communities face due to rising rental costs. The article was syndicated across News Corp online publications.
On 702 ABC Sydney, Professor Nicole Gurran discussed the challenges essential workers face in accessing the housing market. She referenced recent data to highlight these issues.
ABC Online reported that the Property Council of Australia has found that frontline workers are increasingly being priced out of the Queensland housing market. Professor Nicole Gurran discussed the potential for utilising land not currently zoned for residential purposes to alleviate some of these housing pressures.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Ku-ring-gai Council has challenged the state government's housing density policy, claiming it is unlawful. This contention arises amidst environmental concerns, including impacts on local owl and flying fox populations. Emeritus Professor Peter Phibbs commented on the situation, suggesting that while legal battles can be won, broader environmental and regulatory challenges continue to complicate housing plans.
The Canberra Times published an article co-authored by Professor Nicole Gurran, discussing the housing crisis and emphasising the importance of listening to those most affected by it. She advocates for direct action based on these insights. The piece has been syndicated across ACM publications.
On ABC Gippsland, Emeritus Professor Peter Phibbs discussed the issue of rental availability. This interview was part of a broader broadcast across ABC Regional Victoria, focusing on the challenges related to the short-term rental stock.
On ABC Capricornia FM Professor Nicole Gurran discussed the ongoing challenges with affordable rental properties. She highlighted how certain models could be adapted to alleviate the shortage in areas like Bay, Logan, and Upper Coomera.
The Times highlighted the potential benefits of increasing housing dedicated to retirees in areas like Victor Harbor. Professor Nicole Gurran emphasises the strong case for this focus in her research, suggesting it could meet specific demographic needs.
On ABC Radio National, Professor Nicole Gurran discussed the government's goal to build 1.2 million new homes by 2029, labelling the target as ambitious and highlighting the challenges involved in reaching such a high number of new constructions.
On ABC News At Noon, Professor Nicole Gurran was interviewed about the recent decline in building dwelling approvals, discussing the implications and potential causes of this trend.
Property Update published an article co-authored by Associate Professor Somwrita Sarkar, Professor Nicole Gurran, and Rashi Shrivastava, discussing the growing socio-economic disparities in our cities. They explore strategies to counteract this trend, emphasising the need for inclusive urban planning and policies to bridge the divide between the affluent and less affluent residents.
ABC Online explored the ongoing challenges of managing paid parking since the introduction of parking meters in Melbourne in 1955. Dr. Rebecca Clements commented on the issue, noting that while the idea of free parking may seem appealing, it presents its own set of complex issues.
The Sydney Morning Herald discussed potential adjustments to height limits and planning controls in NSW aimed at achieving housing targets. Emeritus Professor Peter Phibbs critiqued these proposed changes, arguing they might not effectively address the core issues in the existing housing strategy. This article was also syndicated across Nine's newspapers.
The Australian Property Journal reported on the severe effects of the housing crisis, noting that one in three Australians are now skipping meals to cope with rising housing costs. Professor Nicole Gurran, commented on the long-standing issues in Australia's housing policies, emphasising the need for substantial policy reform to address the ongoing crisis.
The Daily Telegraph reported on a survey highlighting the extreme cost-cutting measures renters are taking due to the housing crisis. Professor Nicole Gurran emphasised the urgent need for policies that reflect the realities faced by people.
Architecture and Design featured an article co-written by Associate Professor Somwrita Sarkar, Professor Nicole Gurran, and Rashi Shrivastava, discussing the growing spatial divides in Australian cities and exploring potential solutions. The piece, originally published in The Conversation, examines how urban design can influence societal divisions and what changes could help counteract this trend.
On ABC Sydney, Professor Nicole Gurran expressed concerns that the plan to build 1.2 million well-located homes over five years might not meet sufficient standards. The interview was cut for inclusion in news bulletins and broadcast across ABC stations.
The Daily Mail reported criticism regarding the Federal Budget's impact on renters, quoting Professor Nicole Gurran. She expressed concerns on ABC News that the budget does not adequately address the necessary increase in housing supply, highlighting that 98% of the potential developments do not materialise into actual housing.
ABC Online discussed the expectations surrounding the Federal Budget, particularly focusing on housing. Experts, including Professor Nicole Gurran, weighed in on what should be included to address key issues in urban and regional planning.
ABC Listen featured an interview on its program discussing the potential for using Australia's $3.7 trillion in superannuation funds to address the housing crisis, with insights from Professor Nicole Gurran on the implications and feasibility of such policies.
The Sydney Morning Herald discussed the issue of Victorian builders postponing the construction of flats and townhouses, despite approvals. Professor Nicole Gurran weighed in, questioning the effectiveness of housing targets in stimulating development. The article was syndicated across Nine's newspapers.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported on Sydney Water's assertion that its water and sewerage systems can handle the increased housing growth planned by Labor. The discussion includes comments from Emeritus Professor Peter Phibbs, who mentioned the viability of six-storey blocks in existing low-rise residential areas.
7am Podcast aired an episode titled 'The Great Housing Disaster: Who gets a say?' featuring an interview with Professor Nicole Gurran, discussing the involvement and influence of various stakeholders in addressing housing issues.
7am Podcast featured an episode titled 'The Great Housing Disaster: Who’s to blame?' which included an interview with Professor Nicole Gurran, discussing various factors contributing to housing issues.
BBC's "Business Matters" discussed global political issues and also featured an interview with Professor Nicole Gurran about the increasing popularity of granny flats in Australia as a housing solution.
ABC North Coast NSW's "Nightlife with Philip Clark, Indira Naidoo" featured an interview with Elizabeth Farrelly, the writer in residence at the University of Sydney's Henry Halloran Research Trust and former Sydney Morning Herald columnist. The program was syndicated.
SBS TV reported on the launch of an independent inquiry into Australia's severe housing crisis, highlighting that Professor Nicole Gurran will serve as co-commissioner to the inquiry. This inquiry aims to address and find solutions to the ongoing issues in the housing market.
7 News reported on the significant number of vacant properties in Sydney amid the housing crisis. The NSW Government is considering regulatory changes to short-term properties to boost housing supply, with insights from Professor Nicole Gurran.
Elite Agent Magazine highlighted the issue of over 40,000 unused 'ghost homes' in NSW, intensifying the housing crisis. Professor Nicole Gurran discussed the significant impact of these vacant homes on the market dynamics, emphasising the distortions they cause in housing availability.
The Daily Telegraph reported on the significant number of inactive dwellings in NSW amidst a housing crisis, highlighting comments from Professor Nicole Gurran on the challenges faced by those on lesser salaries. The article has been widely syndicated.
ABC Online highlighted the significance of housing issues in the upcoming Tasmanian election, with Emeritus Professor Peter Phibbs providing insights into the electoral implications of housing policy.
News.com.au reported on the debate over potential Airbnb bans or taxes in an Australian state, citing a study led by Professor Peter Phibbs, which examined the impact of short-term rental accommodations on the housing market.
ABC Online explored how housing issues like potential Airbnb bans, 'no deposit' home loans, and rent subsidies are becoming pivotal in elections, featuring insights from Emeritus Professor Peter Phibbs.
MacroBusiness discussed the Albanese government's housing target, highlighting skepticism about achieving the goal of 240,000 homes built annually for five years, with Professor Nicole Gurran expressing doubt about the feasibility of these targets.
Channel 9 News reported on the challenges facing Australia's goal to build 1.2 million homes, with Professor Nicole Gurran noting the significant changes needed to meet these ambitious targets.
ABC News Mornings featured an interview with Professor Nicole Gurran discussing the Australian Greens' federal housing policy.
The Nightly discussed the influence of Airbnb on Australia's rental market. Professor Nicole Gurran highlighted the impact of short-term rentals and the critical need for funding social and affordable housing to alleviate the rental crisis.
On “Morning with Leon Compton” on 936 ABC Hobart, Emeritus Professor Peter Phibbs discussed the impact of short-term rentals in Tasmania, drawing on his extensive research in housing.
ABC Online discussed the potential for taxes and levies on short-term rentals as a strategy to increase the availability of long-term rental properties. Professor Nicole Gurran supported this approach, highlighting its potential benefits in addressing rental market issues.
On ABC PM with David Lipson, Professor Nicole Gurran discussed the impact of short-term rentals on the long-term rental market.
ABC Online discussed New South Wales' consideration of a new tax on short-term rentals in response to the worsening housing crisis. The article mentions input from NSW Housing Minister and Professor Nicole Gurran.
ABC NewsRadio interviewed Professor Nicole Gurran from Sydney University on the impact of short-term rentals on housing costs.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported on Airbnb's claim that holiday rentals have a 'minimal' impact on housing costs, citing new data on short-term rentals in NSW. Professor Nicole Gurran commented on the role of these rentals in the housing affordability issue, with the article syndicated across Nine's newspapers.
The Daily Telegraph reported on a study from Sydney University, led by Somwrita Sarkar, Professor Nicole Gurran, and Rashi Shrivastava, highlighting the growing socioeconomic disparities in Australian capital cities. The research underscores the urgency of addressing these social divides.
The Echo is rallying the community to contribute to the vision for Lismore CBD's future, especially in the wake of the 2022 floods that significantly impacted the area. Professor Nicole Gurran among the experts contributing to this effort, highlighting the importance of community involvement in the redevelopment process.
The Lismore App announced that the Living Lab Northern Rivers will host two 'Look Ahead' community meetings in February, inviting public participation in the future development of Lismore CBD. Professor Nicole Gurran is mentioned as a panel member, bringing expertise to the initiative.
The Northern Rivers Times reported on the Living Lab Northern Rivers initiative, which is encouraging the Lismore community to participate in shaping the future of the Lismore CBD. Professor Nicole Gurran is part of the panel leading this effort, aiming to integrate community insights and expectations into the development process.
ABC NewsRadio interviewed Professor Nicole Gurran, who discussed the role of housing construction in addressing Australia's housing shortage crisis. She supports the notion that increasing land supply is crucial for new home construction.
ABC Online discussed the challenges facing the Federal Government's housing plan, particularly highlighting low approval rates as a critical issue. The article includes insights from Professor Nicole Gurran and representatives from the Housing Industry Association and Everybody's Home campaign, emphasizing the difficulties in achieving the goal of constructing over one million new homes in the next five years.me value.
2023
ABC NewsRadio featured Professor Nicole Gurran discussing the impact of increased migration on the housing accessibility for Australian citizens.
Bnn.network covered Australia's rental crisis, focusing on how it is pushing renters towards homeownership. The article includes Professor Nicole Gurran's insights on the situation.
The Daily Telegraph reported on concerns from leading economists, including Dr Cameron Murray, regarding the potential for Queensland's doubled first-homebuyer grant to further inflate housing prices.
Tweed Valley Weekly reported on the ongoing crackdown on short-term holiday letting in the Tweed Shire, highlighting comments from housing expert Professor Peter Phibbs on the need to manage the growth of such lettings.
ABC Online featured an interview on ABC Radio Nightlife, broadcast across Australia, discussing the potential of granny flats as a solution to the housing shortage, with contributions from Professor Nicole Gurran.
ABC NewsRadio featured Professor Nicole Gurran, discussing the impact of government policy choices on urban planning and policy.
The Guardian reported on the debate over minimum apartment sizes in Australian cities amidst the housing crisis, citing comments from Professor Nicole Gurran.
ABC Online explored the possibility of ending homelessness in Australia within ten years, featuring insights from Nicole Gurran.
Elite Agent Magazine covered a piece co-written by Emeritus Professor Peter Phibbs and Professor Nicole Gurran, originally published in The Conversation, analysing whether the Victorian government's regulations on short-stay accommodation will increase long-term rental supply or if other policies might be more effective.
City Road Podcast featured a podcast titled 'Contested Futures', chaired by Professor Nicole Gurran, focusing on the similarities between New Orleans and Australia's Northern Rivers in handling natural disasters.
The Guardian reported on a study identifying granny flats as a potential solution to Australia’s housing crisis, including insights from Professor Nicole Gurran, who co-authored the report.
ABC NewsRadio aired an interview with Professor Nicole Gurran, discussing urban and regional planning issues. This segment was syndicated across ABC radio.
Otago Daily Times featured a piece advocating for the establishment of state builders and the revival of public housing construction, referencing Professor Nicole Gurran's insights on historical housing trends.
ABC Online reported on new research estimating the economic benefits of 40,000 new social and affordable houses, with Professor Nicole Gurran expressing skepticism about the accuracy of these projections.
The Daily Mail discussed a retro public builder plan as a potential solution to Australia's housing crisis, quoting Professor Nicole Gurran. The article has been widely syndicated across Australia.
Accom News covered a piece by Peter Phibbs and Nicole Gurran, evaluating whether the Victorian government's new regulations on short-stay accommodation will effectively boost long-term rental supply or if other policies would be more beneficial.
ABC NewsRadio featured Professor Nicole Gurran, discussing the short-term rental market.
ABC Online reported on Byron Bay's introduction of a 60-day cap on Airbnb and Stayz rentals, featuring comments from Professor Nicole Gurran.
ABC Canberra interviewed Emeritus Professor Peter Phibbs on the implications of taxing short-stay accommodation.
SBS News explored the effectiveness of a levy on short-term stays in solving Australia's rental crisis, featuring a syndicated piece originally published in The Conversation by Professor Nicole Gurran and Emeritus Professor Peter Phibbs.
SBS News featured insights from Professor Nicole Gurran on the taxation of short-stay accommodation markets.
ABC News interviewed Professor Nicole Gurran about the impact of the Victorian Government's new levies on short stay accommodation platforms.
Triple J Radio featured Professor Nicole Gurran, discussing the Victorian Government's decision to impose levies on short-term stay accommodation platforms.
ABC Online examined the potential effectiveness of Victoria's new tax on Airbnb and other short-stay rentals, featuring insights from Professor Nicole Gurran.
Forbes Australia reported on Airbnb's challenges in the Australian market, referencing insights from Professor Nicole Gurran.
ABC Radio interviewed with Professor Nicole Gurran about Victoria’s proposed short term rentals levy.
774 ABC Melbourne featured an interview with Professor Nicole Gurran on the Australian housing crisis.
ABC Online reported on the scrutiny of fixed price contracts in the building industry, featuring an interview with Professor Nicole Gurran on The World Today, in the context of another South Australian building company's collapse.
ABC Online interviewed Professor Nicole Gurran, discussing the proposed 1,000% council rate rise for Airbnbs in Brisbane.
Architecture AU highlighted the Festival of 'Contested' Urbanism 2023, featuring Professor Nicole Gurran, Dr Luke Hespanhol, Dr Sophia Maalsen, Professor Rosemary Lyster, Dr Robert Stokes, Tegan Mitchell, and Dr Elizabeth Farrelly, addressing key urban planning and design issues.
The Saturday Age quoted Professor Nicole Gurran on the feasibility of houseboats as housing alternatives.
All Homes featured an article by Kate Jones exploring the role of houseboats in addressing Australia's housing supply issues. Professor Nicole Gurran commented on the limitations and potential of houseboats as a housing alternative, focusing on the broader issue of access to existing housing units in Australian cities.
ABC 7.30 featured Professor Nicole Gurran, who discussed the impact of short-term rentals like Airbnb on Australia’s housing affordability crisis, highlighting the need for regulation in the sector.
ABC NewsRadio interviewed Professor Nicole Gurran about the complexities of using housing as a source of wealth.
The Project interviewed Professor Nicole Gurran about the housing crisis.
The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Cameron Murray, discussing the shortcomings of the SRL’s funding proposals and suggesting alternative revenue sources such as developing commercial properties and imposing a 'betterment levy'.
The Australian Financial Review referenced the Henry Halloran Research Trust, discussing its view on rent freezes and housing regulations, and highlighting a letter to the Senate that challenges claims of a capitalist plot influencing housing construction.
ABC News interviewed Professor Nicole Gurran about City of Melbourne council’s in-principle approval for regulations on short-stay rental accommodation.
The Guardian covered Melbourne City Council's in-principle vote for new regulations on short-stay rentals to address the housing crisis, featuring insights from Dr. Michael Fotheringham and Professor Nicole Gurran.
ABC News interviewed with Professor Nicole Gurran about the rental crisis and mixed tenure projects.
Newcastle Herald discussed the National Planning Reform Blueprint and its shortcomings in addressing market constraints in Australia's housing sector. The piece, featuring insights from Professor Nicole Gurran.
ABC News interviewed Professor Nicole Gurran about the federal government's new plan to address the rental crisis, involving a $15,000 incentive for each new home built.
Sydney Morning Herald published an article by Professor Nicole Gurran on the challenges and solutions in Australia's housing supply crisis.
Property News Australia quoted Professor Nicole Gurran’s opinion on the current research challenges on shared housing.
News.com.au interviewed Professor Nicole Gurran about the limitations research faces due to informal share housing arrangements.
The Canberra Times quoted Dr Cameron Murray’s HouseMate proposal, as an alternative option to CFMEU’s proposed super tax, as additional funds to solve Australia’s housing crisis.”
Nine News interviewed Cameron Murray about inflation.
ABC News interviewed Cameron Murray about tax on corporate super-profit to combat the housing crisis.
ABC South East interviewed Professor Cameron Murray about door knocking for property sales.
ABC News interviewed Associate Professor Tooran Alizadeh about how Sydney can expand.
ABC Sunshine Coast interviewed Mr Cameron Murray about renting and property loans.
Ausbiz interviewed Cameron Murray about how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the housing market.
ABC Sunshine Coast interviewed Cameron Murray about the political discourse on rent freezing.
The Guardian published an opinion piece by Cameron Murray about how a national rent freeze could work.
Sydney Morning Herald interviewed Cameron Murray about Sydney’s housing supply.
ABC Radio Canberra interviewed Cameron Murray about tenancy laws.
ABC Radio Canberra interviewed Professor Nicole Gurran about the difficulties of regulating holiday lets. Glen Innes Examiner paraphrased Professor Gurran’s argument that increasing housing supply isn’t the only way of combatting the housing crisis.
ABC News interviewed Professor Nicole Gurran about whether a national rent freeze would work.
ABC Sunshine Coast interviewed Cameron Murray about rent control.
ABC Radio National interviewed Professor Nichole Gurran about essential workers being priced out of living in the communities they work in.
The Sydney Morning Herald interviewed Professor Nicole Gurran in an article about St Mary’s Cathedral School’s plans to convert a city high-rise into a new campus.
Sun-Herald columnist Parnell Palme McGuiness quoted Mr Cameron Murray in an article about how ‘YIMBYs’ – Yes, In My Backyard – can take the heat out of the housing crisis.
The Sydney Morning Herald interviewed Mr Cameron Murray about the current ‘feeling of crisis’ felt by the ‘anxious educated classes.
3AW interviewed Professor Nicole Gurran about the housing crisis.
The Canberra Times (syndicated across Australian Associated Press) published an opinion piece by Professor Nicole Gurran about why building more houses won’t solve the housing crisis. 6PR and The Project interviewed Professor Gurran about short-term rentals.
WA Today quoted Professor Nicole Gurran in an article about the rise of Airbnb rental properties in Perth.
The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Professor Nicole Gurran about the need for further government intervention into the issue of short-term holiday rentals in Sydney, warning without it “the situation will worsen for renters”. The article was syndicated on Nine.com.au.
Nine.com.au (syndicated from Domain) interviewed Professor Nicole Gurran about the alarming increase in short-term lets during the rental crisis.
Sydney Morning Herald interviewed Professor Nicole Gurran about the rise of Airbnbs.
2SER interviewed Associate Professor Tooran Alizadeh about who gets to name Western Sydney’s newest city.
Wentworth Courier interviewed Associate Professor Dallas Rogers about ‘hostile design,’ which describes an urban design that deterred the use of public space by young people and unhoused people.
ABC News interviewed Professor Nicole Gurran about the shortage of affordable housing.
ABC News interviewed Professor Nicole Gurran about affordable housing and the Business Council of Australia’s new report.
Architecture & Design republished The Conversation piece by Associate Professor Tooran Alizadeh, Dr Rebecca Clements and Associate Professor Glen Searle which looks at the Western Parkland Development and the new Bradfield city.
ABC Radio Canberra and ABC News interviewed Professor Nicole Gurran about the Australian Green’s proposed rental freeze bill.
The Conversation published an article by Associate Professor Tooran Alizadeh, Associate Professor Glen Searle and Dr Rebecca Clements about renaming Sydney’s Western Parkland region as the NSW Government’s project turning it into a new city unfolds.
ABC Radio Adelaide interviewed Dr Cameron Murray about the housing crisis and what’s needed to increase home ownership and how the government can minimise the disruption to home owners during inflationary periods.
ABC Radio Adelaide interviewed Professor Nicole Gurran about short-stay accommodation.
ABC News interviewed Mr Cameron Murray about housing prices. ABC Radio Brisbane interviewed Mr Murray about first home buyers.
ABC Radio National interviewed Professor Nicole Gurran about the migration review and implications for infrastructure and housing.
ABC Radio Sydney interviewed Professor Nicole Gurran about short-term rentals, and the pending decision to allow Byron Council to impose a cap on nightly rentals.
Rental crisis: Revenue from short-term rentals on Airbnb, Stayz surges in tourist hotspots (afr.com) quoted Professor Nicole Gurran who called on state and local governments to work together to prevent further losses of long-term rental supply in the wake of the rental crisis and effects of short-term rental sites such as Airbnb.
Renters relying on hacks to dodge housing crisis, as advocates call for cultural change - ABC News interviewed Professor Nicole Gurran about the rental crisis.
ABC Radio Adelaide interviewed Professor Nicole Gurran on short term rental prices.
Domain quoted Professor Nicole Gurran about whether purchasing or renting a house after the election will be easier, based on both parties’ housing policies.
ABC Radio Brisbane interviewed Research Fellow Cameron Murray from the Henry Halloran Trust about affordable housing.
Architecture & Design syndicated The Conversation article by Professor Nicole Gurran and Professor Emeritus Peter Phibbs about Australia’s ‘light touch’ with Airbnb.
ABC News , ABC Radio Adelaide and ABC Mid North Coast interviewed Professor Nicole Gurran about the various issues and topics related to the housing crisis.
ABC News interviewed Professor Nicole Gurran about the housing crisis and regulating Airbnb.
The Conversation published an article by Professor Nicole Gurran and Professor Emeritus Peter Phibbs from the Henry Halloran Research Trust about regulating houses used for Airbnb-like accommodation.
Australian Financial Review quoted Professor Nicole Gurran about why women are held back from home ownership.
SBS News interviewed Professor John Stanley and Professor Nicole Gurran about 15 minute cities.
ABC News interviewed Professor Nicole Gurran about affordable housing in London.
ABC Radio Hobart interviewed Professor Emeritus Peter Phibbs from the Henry Holloran Research Trust about Tasmania requiring permits from people planning to list their house on Airbnb.
Sydney Morning Herald interviewed Professor Nicole Gurran about the housing crisis and why the type of supply is just as important as supply.
ABC News Daily interviewed Mr Cameron Murray about the rental crisis and his proposed solution.
ABC Radio Australia Wide interviewed Professor Nicole Gurran about the national housing crisis.
The Conversation published an article by Dr Jennifer Kent, Dr Marlee Bower, and Honorary Adjunct Lecturer Dr Emily J Ruge about how loneliness is a product of the cities we create and a shared burden.
The Guardian quoted Professor Nicole Gurran about Sydney’s expensive road tolls.
Nine News interviewed Professor Nicole Gurran about Australia’s rental crisis.
ABC Radio Canberra interviewed Dr Cameron Murray about new legislation for first home buyers.
2GB interviewed Professor Nicole Gurran about the rental crisis. ABC News interviewed Professor Gurran about first home buyers.
The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Professor Nicole Gurran about the need for affordable housing.
6PR interviewed Professor Nicole Gurran about how Australia’s rental market is under “unprecedented pressure”. ABC Online also quoted Professor Gurran in an article about Airbnb’s influence on Australia’s rental crisis.
Hobart Mercury (syndicated) quoted Emeritus Professor Peter Phibbs about a study he led that found more than two-thirds of short-stay accommodation listings in Tasmania’s second largest city were previously long-term rentals.
ABC Radio Newcastle interviewed Dr Caitlin Buckle about how demographers are working on analysing and understanding housing trends revealed in Census data from 2021.
ABC Radio Canberra interviewed Dr Cameron Murray about the record fall in the national home value.
2022
ABC Radio interviewed Professor Emeritus Peter Phibbs from the Henry Halloran Research Trust about the housing crisis in Hobart.
ABC Radio Hobart interviewed Professor Emeritus Peter Phibbs from the Henry Halloran Research Trust about Hobart’s housing market.
Daily Mail Online - Australia's rental crisis in Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Perth now the worst since Great Depression.
ABC Radio National - National Housing Accord—one million new homes promised.
The Guardian - Why do we have such low rental vacancy? It doesn’t mean a shortage of houses. Cameron Murray
ABC Radio National - The Roundtable: Innovations in social housing.
ABC Radio - Government announces plans to address the housing crisis.
TheConversation - The market has failed to give Australians affordable housing, so don't expect it to solve the crisis.
Bloomberg - Sydney Looks to Amp Up Nightlife to Shed Sleepy Reputation
ABC Radio Mornings interviewed Professor Nicole Gurran about the Festival of Urbanism and the topic of platform urbanism.
Architecture and Design and Architecture Au reported on the Festival of Urbanism and quoted Professor Nicole Gurran.
Artichoke Sydney quoted Kate Goodwin about shifts in Australian design.
ABC RN interviewed Elle Davidson and Dr Danièle Hromek, about First Nations’ architecture and urban planning.
Dallas Rogers - The Philosopher's Zone Three part series on housing
Dallas Rogers is producing a three-part series about housing on Radio National’s program, The Philosopher’s Zone with David Rutledge.
Listen to Episode 1 – Care Ethics, here.
Listen to Episode 2 – Rent, here.
Episode 3 will be broadcast on Sunday 18 Sept at 5.30pm.
The Conversation published an article co-authored by Cameron Murray, Research Fellow at the Henry Halloran Research Trust, which looked at an experiment conducted to see whether everyday people get seduced into favouring their mates at the expense of others.
Australian Design Review published a story on Tin Shed gallery, Bill Lucas: Architect Utopian.
The Sydney Morning Herald (syndicated) reported on housing and inflation mentioning Dr Cameron Murray from the Henry Halloran Research Trust.
ABC Radio Sydney interviewed Professor Nicole Gurran about why high-rise buildings aren’t necessarily the solution for housing affordability.
WA Today quoted Professor Nicole Gurran in an article about how “the number of properties listed on Airbnb has skyrocketed above pre-pandemic levels”.
The Sydney Morning Herald (syndicated across Nine Publishing) quoted Professor Nicole Gurran in an article about Sydney’s housing stress “hotspots”.
Sun Herald (syndicated across Nine Publishing) quoted Professor Nicole Gurran about how Sydney recorded tens of thousands of empty homes on census night, with the lockdown and hard international border closure pushing vacancies higher than 2016.
ABC Statewide Drive interviewed Professor Peter Phibbs about new laws in Tasmania which will crack down on the number of houses that can be made into short term stays with the aim that it will lead to more rentals.
ABC Radio News discussed the current construction and housing crisis with Dr Cameron Murray.
The Sydney Morning Herald (syndicated) reported owners of Reddam House are to turn a Harry Seidler building into a new school, quoting Professor Nicole Gurran.
Sydney Morning Herald quoted Professor Nicole Curran on the need to build more high-rise schools to match growing demand in high density areas.
Architecture & Design published a story about French architects Anne Lacaton and Jean Philippe Vassal, who are in Australia for the first time since being appointed the inaugural Garry and Susan Rothwell Chairs in Architectural Design Leadership for the School of Architecture, Design and Planning.
ABC North Coast interviewed Cameron Murray about his co-authored report the Staged Releases: Peering Behind the Land Supply Curtain.
The Guardian cited Dr Cameron Murray in an article on the need to revitalise public housing programs.
Sky News interviewed Professor Nicole Gurran about how it is still possible for Australia to return to the “golden period” of housing policy.
7 News interviewed Dr Cameron Murray about the Reserve Bank of Australia’s latest interest rate decision.
The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Professor Nicole Gurran on how both policies would put only modest upward pressure on prices at the moment as rising interest rates pulled prices down, but said Labor’s shared equity scheme was marginally less risky for households as it offered a smaller mortgage.
ABC Late Night Live interviewed Professor Nicole about the “ideas being floated to fix Australia’s housing crisis”.
Community Radio Skid Row Professor Nicole discusses the housing crisis in Australia, and the housing policies of Labor, Liberal and The Greens.
ABC News interviewed Professor Nicole Gurran for After 10 years of Airbnb and short-stay rentals, is Australia ready for regulation?
ABC Radio National interviewed Professor Peter Phibbs about the proposed home ownership models.
WA Today also quoted Professor Gurran in a story on access to homes reserved for new home buyers.
ABC 7.30 interviewed Professor Nicole Gurran for a special report on housing affordability and the latest major announcement from the Coalition, that would see first home buyers use their super to help them with their deposit.
Architecture and Design quoted Professor Nicole Gurran and Dr Cameron Murray on how political legisation could ensure a certain percentage of homes are affordable and solely reserved for first home buyers.
ABC Radio Professor Nicole Gurran on Will Albanese deliver relief in public housing?
The Sydney Morning Herald (syndicated across Nine Publishing) quoted Professor Nicole Gurran from the School of Architecture, Design and Planning in an article about Sydney’s housing stress “hotspots”.
ABC Online quoted Professor Nicole Gurran about how rent assistance payment has been too low for some time and that if the government wants to improve the cost of living, increasing the rental assistance payment is a logical solution.
The West Australian quoted Professor Nicole Gurran about how availability issues cause rental market prices to soar.
Macrobusiness cited Dr Cameron Murray on how housing affordability is a distraction promoted by vested interests and reinforced by political incentives.
The New Daily quoted Dr Cameron Murray's view on the Tax and Revenue Committee's report on housing affordability and supply.
Your Investment Property cited Professor Nicole Gurran about how The Budget must restore investment in new social and affordable housing supply and increase the rent assistance subsidy for low-income earners.
2GB interviewed Professor Nicole Gurran on how short term rentals like Airbnb are impacting regional housing and making it hard to afford.
The Conversation published a piece by Dr Cameron Murray about how "HouseMate", a Singapore-inspired idea for using super for housing can cut costs by 50%.
The Sydney Morning Herald cited Professor Nicole Gurran on how poor housing affordability could become a significant risk factor during the pandemic.
Opinion
By Nicole Gurran, Emma Baker and Peter Phibbs
March 31, 2022
Opinion piece originally published in the Sydney Morning Herald
For a government professing concern about home ownership, new supply and affordability, the measures in this week’s budget fell flat – benefitting few, largely ignoring renters, and extending underperforming existing policy.
To some extent there were no surprises. The rhetorical emphasis on home ownership was laid down this month in the parliamentary report on Housing Supply and Affordability in Australia. Chaired by Liberal MP Jason Falinski, the report framed Australia as a “home-owning democracy” where “living under a landlord” represents a failure of that ideal.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s suggestion this week that the best way to help renters is to “help them to buy a house” shows us how deep this belief is. It ignores the reality that roughly a third of us rent, a third own our homes outright, and a third have a mortgage. The housing situation of very few Australians will be touched by any of the announcements.
The headline giveaway in the budget extended existing government guarantees for first-home buyers and will allow more than 50,000 households to take out low-deposit loans. It will no doubt be attractive for moderate income households able to borrow up to $760,000 for a property. But with interest rates set to rise, and the government’s own budget papers forecasting house prices to cool over the next 12 months, the decision to extend the scheme – which will stimulate demand without creating new supply – seems puzzling.
The budget also offers some targeted support for buyers of new homes in regional and remote areas. But the regional crisis is largely in the rental sector, where immediate relief is urgently needed.
Australia’s roughly 8 million renters have largely been left in the cold. Our 500,000 very low-income renters will remain in rental stress, and our public housing waiting lists will remain essentially unchanged. While about 1.2 million negatively geared landlords continue to claim rental losses, pleas to increase the Commonwealth Rental Assistance subsidy (currently about $4.7 billion a year) have been ignored.
There’s no real additional commitment to social housing, aside from a $2 billion extension to the affordable housing bond aggregator, extending the amount available for non-profit providers to borrow via the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation. This will support an estimated 10,000 new social housing units, against a current waiting list of about 160,000 households.
Perhaps the real constraint is a fear that effective housing affordability measures might cause property prices to fall – undermining consumer confidence, dampening historically high rates of new housing construction, and triggering a backlash from voters now exposed to eye-watering levels of debt.
By Nicole Gurran
May 2, 2022
Opinion piece originally published in the Sydney Morning Herald
With cost of living pressures starting to bite, housing affordability has moved to centre stage of the election campaign, but the policies of the two major parties are unlikely to deliver much relief to home owners or renters because when it comes down to it, neither party wants house values to fall.
Labor hopes to woo voters with a promise to help 10,000 aspiring first home buyers into the market via a new shared equity scheme. By the government taking on up to 40 per cent of the price of a new home (or 30 per cent of an existing property), Labor’s scheme will help moderate-income earners by reducing the amount they need to borrow upfront. It will allow qualifying households with at least a 2 per cent deposit to get into the market, and allow them to ultimately buy back the government’s equity share in their property over time, as their circumstances improve.
Shared equity schemes can help moderate-income earners because they reduce both the total loan amount as well as the deposit needed to buy a home. Several Australian states have modest schemes like this in place and they are well established in Britain. But unless they are targeted to dedicated new housing stock, Labor’s scheme may simply contribute to more house price inflation. The Greens’ shared equity scheme aims to underwrite a more ambitious 125,000 homes and is targeted at key workers.
The Liberal Party’s home deposit guarantee scheme allows moderate to higher income earners to take out home loans with only a 5 per cent deposit (or 2 per cent for single parents). Labor has a similar scheme for up to 10,000 first home buyers in regional areas. While likely to be popular with eligible first home buyers, experts have criticised the approach as fuelling demand without contributing to new housing supply. Worse, the scheme encourages first home buyers to take on very high levels of debt, at a time with interest rates are projected to rise, but the property market expected to cool.
What about renters? And with rents beginning to escalate especially in regional areas, the fastest relief for renters would be to increase rental subsidies, but neither party has promised to extend or increase rent assistance beyond the consumer price index.
The two major parties do not want house prices to fall because high house prices make the two-thirds of Australians who already own their homes feel wealthier, and that supports consumer confidence. Buoyant house prices also support new construction, one of Australia’s largest industries of employment. The combined spectre of rising costs of living, interest rate hikes, and falling house prices will exacerbate pressures across the entire economy.
With these economic headwinds gathering, it is mystifying that neither of the major parties are offering a significant boost to new social and affordable housing supply. Labor has made a modest commitment to increase the supply of social and affordable homes, funding 30,000 over the next three years. But with research pointing to a current undersupply of about half a million such dwellings, this promise is not enough.
For the past two decades, both sides of politics have emphasised housing supply as the answer to worsening affordability. But while the private market has delivered record levels of housing construction over the past five years, the supply of social housing has barely changed. With a cooling property market, the economic impetus for new private sector housing construction will also falter, affecting the construction industry.
In the past, government support for social housing construction offered counter-cyclical relief to the building industry, while ensuring that the supply of new homes matched population growth, not the vagaries of the housing market. Labor’s election policy does signal that the Commonwealth will resume its leading role in setting a national housing and homelessness plan, something which is sorely lacking in Australia.
Let’s hope that before the election, all parties add more weight to their promises around housing. To help first home buyers, any shared equity program should be linked to affordable and environmentally resilient new construction, leveraging the land use planning powers of the states. A much higher commitment to fund social and affordable housing is also necessary to meet existing backlog and forecast need. And Commonwealth Rent Assistance must be raised.
2021
2020
Dr Cameron Murray's article titled 'Our states are crying poor. They wouldn’t if they charged for rezoning like the ACT', published in The Conversation.
Dr Cameron Murray's article titled 'The truth behind the housing supply nonsense', published in The Fifth Estate.
Dr Cameron Murray and our Director Professor Peter Phibbs on funding mechanisms for urban infrastructure, published in The Sydney Morning Herald.
The Conversation - Our Practitioner in Residence – Halvard Dalheim.
Halvard Dalheim on RNZ talking about his Conversation article – 10 minutes 37 second.