Debate: That housing “abundance” is the solution

Date: Wednesday, 17th September 2025

Time: 5:45pm - 7:00pm

When and how did “abundance” become the latest buzzword and is it really a fix for the housing crisis? Our experts debate the theory that “abundant” housing – especially higher density homes in established areas – is the solution to high prices and rents. We’ll be inviting you to open your minds for this debate where the winning team is decided by the strength of their persuasion in this Intelligence Squared inspired event.

Chair

Professor Nicole Gurran, Professor of Urban & Regional Planning at University of Sydney, Director, Henry Halloran Urban & Regional Research Initiative, University of Sydney

Panel

Tina Perotino, Publisher and Managing Editor, the Fifth Estate

Patrick Fensham, National Leader for Urban Policy & Governance, Principal & Partner of SGS Economics & Planning

Jess Scully, an author, curator and city-maker

Professor Steven Rowley, Director, Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute at Curtin Research Centre

Ben Hendriks, Founder & Executive Chair, Mecone

Mehnaaz Hossain, Editor, Honi Soit