Access to safe and affordable housing is a basic human right, but the housing crisis is growing globally. With increasing cost pressures, and population growing faster than build times, what can local government do to address the crisis? This panel will look at barriers to housing accessibility, development, the role of all levels of government to work together and short and long term strategies councils could look to easing the pressure. 

Chris Eddy and Kathryn Arndt will moderate a Q&A style discussion with a panel comprising leaders in this space from across Australia and the UK.

Panellists include:

• Rushda Halith - General Manager Community and City Services, City of Melbourne
• Robert Burns - Chief Executive Officer, Monaghan County Council, Ireland
• Diwa Hopkins - Senior Economist, Regional Australia Institute (RAI)
• Dr Grace Vickers - Chief Executive Officer, Midlothian Council, Scotland

This panel event will take place online via Zoom. 

Key areas of discussion will include: 

• Causes of the housing crisis – what are the local issues?
• What are the barriers for increasing supply?
• What are the social issues to the lack of housing?
• Forming effective partnerships 
• What role can local government play in providing solutions to the crisis?
• Examples of programs and policies from around the world