Writer

Hal Pawson
Hal Pawson is Professor Housing Research and Policy, and Associate Director of the City Futures Research Centre, UNSW.
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Priority actions for the next federal housing minister
Housing is yet again up there as a major concern in this year’s federal election debate. Given the rising cost of putting a roof over your head in today’s Australia, that’s hardly surprising. Buying a home will now set you back 30% more than at the start of the Morrison government’s current term in office. Continue reading »
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Housing in the coming federal election
Very largely thanks to economic stimulus pumped into the economy to ward off COVID recession, Australia’s housing is now 30% more expensive than in 2019. Continue reading »
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Australia’s high house prices damage economic productivity, financial stability and equity
Recent discussion has highlighted how rising house prices are rationing growing numbers of younger Australians into rental housing and lifestyle choices falling short of aspirations. Now there are warnings that future falling homeownership rates across most age cohorts could hit the NSW Government’s budget balance. Continue reading »
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Rising house prices putting at risk the economic stability of the nation
Housing policies are contributing to stagnating economic growth and putting at risk the economic stability of the nation. Continue reading »
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Beware the housing lion that roars: a bite still awaits
There’s always strings attached and the housing market is no different. A perfect storm is building, thanks to cheap money and housing grants that have turbo-charged the market. Continue reading »
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Why a social housing stimulus is a measure Morrison cannot ignore.
Given our Prime Minister’s famously well-honed skill of tapping into the public mood, as well as his claims to an economically hard-headed approach to policymaking, you would surely expect a social housing stimulus plan to be front and centre of his upcoming financial plan. Continue reading »
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Mounting housing stress underscores need for expert council to guide wayward policymaking
A recent policy pledge by Shadow Treasurer Chris Bowen has given fresh heart to campaigners for the restoration of the former National Housing Supply Council (NHSC). Continue reading »