Brisbane, like many cities, is facing a severe housing crisis. Increased property values, rental costs, migration and flooding, along with record low vacancy rates, mean many people can’t find or afford a home. And in the lead up to the 2032 Olympics, the situation in Brisbane is likely to get worse. 

Against the backdrop of the Queensland Government’s Housing Summit, this panel discussed solutions to the housing crisis from different perspectives with a focus on the current rental squeeze, offering their insights on how we can sustainably and collaboratively tackle the housing crisis. 

Presented by Building 4.0 CRC’s Program Leader for QUT, Dr Tanja Tyvimaa, panellists included:

Cameron Murray, an economist and consultant who specialises in property markets, environmental economics and corruption. A Research Fellow in the Henry Halloran Trust at The University of Sydney, he is the blogger of Fresh Economic Thinking and co-author of Rigged, the second edition of Game of Mates: How favours bleed the nation, that was first released in 2017.

Sue Pope, CEO of Common Ground Queensland, which operates Brisbane Common Ground, Queensland’s first supportive housing initiative. This 14-storey, 146-unit building in Hope Street, South Brisbane offers both affordable housing and on-site support services provided by community service partner Micah Projects. The project creates a diverse building community and increases opportunities for social inclusion.

Dean Milton, Chief Operating Officer at the Real Estate Institute of Queensland, the peak body representing real estate professionals across Queensland. Dean is a chartered accountant with over 20 years’ experience working in Brisbane and London across various sectors, including Hospitality and Gaming and Banking. He’s also worked as a policy advisor.

This event was held on 25th October 4-6pm, as an in-person event at:
Gibson Room, Level 10, Z Block, QUT Gardens Point Campus, Gardens Point Campus.

Read more about the event here.