Australia at risk of Americanisation of homelessness crisis

Homelessness rates in Australia are on track to match those in the United States unless a radical shift in housing policy occurs according to international homelessness expert, Associate Professor Gregg Colburn, from the University of Washington.

Professor Colburn is the author of the new book, Homelessness is a Housing Problem, which outlines how escalating housing costs are increasing the number of homeless people across the United States.

Housing all Australians in partnership with property industry groups and business leaders will host Professor Colburn on his Homelessness is a Housing Problem Australian tour in early September.

Mr Rob Pradolin, Founder of Housing All Australians said Professor Colburn’s tour would illustrate how current housing policies were undermining Australia’s social fabric by fomenting an unmanageable homelessness crisis.

“Over 78,000 people are homeless in New York City on any single night,” said Mr Pradolin. “We cannot allow a situation where American homelessness levels are normalised in Australia.

“Australia needs a bipartisan approach to ensure housing is available for all, serving as a crucial economic and social foundation for a prosperous future.

“This series of talks, starting in Melbourne and moving on to Sydney and Brisbane are a must-attend for key industry leaders and policy makers looking to reshape the national conversation on housing and homelessness.”

Associate Professor – University of Washington, Gregg Colburn, said based on our research, the recent rapid escalation in housing costs in Australia has created the conditions—absent any major changes—for homelessness to increase significantly. 

Professor Coulson’s Homelessness is a Housing Problem tour is proudly sponsored and supported by industry heavy-weights including PEXA, Qualitas, Property Council of Australia, UDIA, HIA, Accommodation Australia, Q Shelter, Quest Apartment Hotels, REIV, VPELA, Tenants Vic, Master Builders Queenslandand others.

National Tour Details:

Melbourne (SOLD OUT!)

Tuesday, September 3, 2024

7:30 am – 9:00 am

ZINC @ Fed Square

Including an exclusive panel moderated by Alan Kohler (ABC Financial Journalist)

Sydney

Wednesday, September 4, 2024

7:30 am – 9:00 am

Ivy @ 330 George St

Including an exclusive panel moderated by Robert Harley (The Australian Financial Review’s former property editor)

Brisbane

Thursday, September 5, 2024

7:30 am – 9:00 am

Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre

Including an exclusive panel moderated by Rebecca Levingston (ABC Radio)