Session spotlight: Is 'supply' the silver bullet?

Responses to Australia’s crisis of housing affordability have focused strongly on supply as the key solution. Growing Australia’s housing stock is undoubtedly necessary given high rates of population growth and household formation, but a lot more seems to be expected from it.

Have we oversimplified the problem? Is it possible to achieve the targets being set? If we do, what will this deliver and what might we be sacrificing along the way?

This session, sponsored by KPMG, will look behind the targets and discuss whether supply really is the silver bullet for housing, and what else might be missing. This discussion will be recorded by ABC Radio National's Big Ideas as it explores:

• What do we mean when we talk about housing supply?
• Is a drastic increase in new supply feasible? What are the factors that enable or inhibit it?
• Is there a relationship between new housing supply and housing affordability?
• What would good policy look like in relation to housing supply?

Session speakers

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Dr Angela Jackson, Productivity Commission

Dr Angela Jackson is the Commissioner for Social Policy at the Productivity Commission, current National Chair of the Women in Economics Network, and adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Tasmania. Dr Jackson has a broad scope of experience across tax, fiscal and social policy and government which she will utilise in this conversation.

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Professor Rachel Ong ViforJ, Curtin University

Professor Rachel Ong ViforJ is a John Curtin Distinguished Professor of Economics at Curtin University. Dr Ong ViforJ's research interests cover housing affordability dynamics, intergenerational housing concerns, the links between housing and wellbeing, and the impacts of housing on the economy. Dr Ong ViforJ has led and participated in numerous AHURI inquiries and research projects relevant to this discussion.

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David Reynolds PSM, Department for Housing and Urban Development

David Reynolds PSM is the Chief Executive of the Department for Housing and Urban Development in South Australia. David has extensive experience in housing policy for South Australia, and a record of success in policy advice, financial management, and developing strong relationships across government, industry and community sector organisations.

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Dr Tim Williams, Grimshaw

Dr Tim Williams is a Global Practice Leader of Cities for Grimshaw. Dr Williams' role is grounded in nearly 25 years international experience in city strategy and policy, urban regeneration and governance, and in advising governments and leaders in the public and private sector.