What role can social housing play in tackling Australia’s housing crisis?

Professor Mark Stephens (University of Glasgow) will discuss What role can social housing play in tackling Australia’s housing crisis?

Australia has a well-developed public discourse on housing – which isn’t surprising given the scale of affordability challenges. Media debate is often well-informed which is reflected in conversations with the public. But the role of social housing is marginalised in these debates. If it features at all, it tends to be as an afterthought. Utilising interviews conducted from within the social sector during his International Fellowship, Mark Stephens explores how social housing became marginalised in the debate and asks if this might change – and if so, how?

The event will conclude with a panel discussion featuring Michael Fotheringham and Stacey Northover.

Mark Stephens is the distinguished Ian Mactaggart Chair in Land, Property & Urban Studies at the University of Glasgow. He has a long-standing interest in comparing housing systems internationally, with expertise in housing and poverty, and housing and the economy. His most recent book is The Routledge Handbook of Housing and Welfare (with Martin Grander). He was an International Fellow at the University of Adelaide in 2025 and is an Honorary Professor at Adelaide University. Mark is currently visiting the Australian Centre for Housing Research through an Adelaide University International Professorial Fellowship.

Stacey Northover is the dynamic Executive General Manager of Housing Services at Believe Housing Australia. A Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Stacey is at the helm of one of South Australia's largest not-for-profit Community Housing Providers, which serves over 4,800 tenants across more than 2,100 social and affordable homes. Stacey is a relentless champion for policy reform and securing essential funding streams, especially in the face of rising rental and living costs.

Michael Fotheringham is the Managing Director of the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI). As Managing Director, he is responsible for setting the national housing research agenda and curating an internationally lauded policy research evidence base on housing, homelessness and urban issues. Michael is a current member of the National Council (Board equivalent) of National Shelter, and currently serves on a variety of expert advisory panels including the Australian Government’s Urban Policy Forum, the Ministerial Homelessness Reform Advisory Group, and the ANZSOG Research Council.