Wesley Conversations: The Ethics of Housing

The Wesley Centre for Theology, Ethics, and Public Policy hosts a series of ‘Conversations That Matter’—lunchtime conversations with experts on the big questions facing our society.

In an election year, at a time when a typical home costs eight times the median household income and more than 122,000 Australians are homeless, what are the ethical, economic, and political questions that lie behind the housing crisis? What is a home, and how can we make sure that safe, secure housing is available for everyone? How should we assess the many policy ideas that are thrown around in the public conversation?

Brendan Coates is Housing and Economic Security Program Director at the Grattan Institute, and a frequent spokesperson on the economics of housing. Kristie Looney is General Manager, Housing and Property at Uniting Vic.Tas, and an experienced leader within the not-for-profit, social enterprise and social service sectors.