Maroc - TIMBERBIZ.COM.AU - A La Une - 20/Feb 23:48

Housing crisis in the hands of everyday Australians this weekend

Australia’s housing crisis is reaching a breaking point. This weekend (22-23 February) a group of 100 representative Australians will take charge of the longstanding housing crisis; putting 13 reforms from leading experts to the test in a radical push for action. Source: Timberbiz AMPLIFY, a non-partisan and independent community-led organisation, will see 100 Australians from all backgrounds come together to tackle the country’s biggest challenge with experts, demanding urgent action from leaders to reshape policy, rise above the politics, and make housing affordable for everyone. Georgina Harrisson, CEO of AMPLIFY, says the housing crisis is too important for political point scoring. “The housing crisis is creating serious fault lines in the community, deeply affecting mental wellbeing, livelihoods, and destroying the social contract for future generations. An issue this significant demands better, and this is why we’re putting the power back where it belongs in the hands of the people,” she said. “This weekend the Australian public will show our politicians that coming together to solve a problem is far more powerful than tearing the other side down. The public has a say, their voice needs to be heard, and we’ll be taking the results to parliament to demand urgent action.” Research shows 95% of Australians believe housing is the biggest issue facing Australians right now. With soaring prices and shrinking options, the dream of a secure home is slipping out of reach for far too many. What’s more, 75% trust each other more than the government to make the right decisions about the housing policy reform we need. In a bold, community-driven first for Australia, 100 randomly selected Australians from all backgrounds and states – homeowners, renters, young people, retirees, single parents, Liberal, Labor, Green and independent voters will come together to weigh up 13 expert-developed housing reforms and decide which should be prioritised. The reforms set to be debated have been curated by some of Australia’s most prolific housing and policy experts. This includes Brendan Coates from the Grattan Institute, Robert Pradolin from Housing All Australians, Liana Downey from the Blueprint Institute and Andrew Barker from the Committee for Economic Development Australia (Build to Rent), among others. Over two days, participants will examine evidence, debate solutions, and decide what needs to change. The 13-shortlisted reforms being deliberated by community include: Making Housing More Affordable Stamp Out Stamp Duty Housing Tax Boost Rent Assistance Homes for Everyday Heroes Expanding Housing Choice Commuter Communities More Bang for Your Block Fab Prefab Faster Visas for Faster Homes Increasing Housing Security Renters’ Rights ‘Build to Rent’ Booster Affordable Homes Guarantee Target 10%