Why the housing crisis is such a ’wicked problem’

2025-12-10

Download

Housing remains the key issue for governments of all stripes, and was the cornerstone of both major parties' election campaigns.But since the election, the housing market has only become increasingly unaffordable. And while Labor’s 5 per cent first homebuyer deposit scheme has had major uptake, experts are warning it could drive up prices at the entry level end of the market.So, what policies and levers can federal and state governments pull to increase supply? Could gentle density rather than urban s...

Housing remains the key issue for governments of all stripes, and was the cornerstone of both major parties' election campaigns.

But since the election, the housing market has only become increasingly unaffordable. And while Labor’s 5 per cent first homebuyer deposit scheme has had major uptake, experts are warning it could drive up prices at the entry level end of the market.

So, what policies and levers can federal and state governments pull to increase supply? Could gentle density rather than urban sprawl and skyscrapers be the answer? And is the Albanese Government’s target of 1.2 million homes by 2030 achievable?

Patricia Karvelas and Tom Crowley break it all down on Politics Now.

Got a burning question?

Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

Comments (3)