SGS analysis shows that poor housing affordability is impacting Sydneysiders wellbeing and productivity. The report argues for a new housing story – one that considers which housing arrangements will best sustain metropolitan economic development for the long term.

Australia is increasingly at risk of a range of natural disasters including tropical cyclones, bushfires, storms and floods. If unmanaged, these risks will significantly impact our resource and knowledge-led economy, and damaged homes, businesses and infrastructure and put lives at risk.

This is more than a rhetorical question. Seeing social and affordable housing as economic infrastructure places this issue in the realm of growing the national income pie. Meanwhile, if we see providing social and affordable housing as a welfare program its implied validation rests on redistribution – sharing the pie.

The latest research into rental affordability across Australia shows that Hobart is still the least affordable capital city to rent, with even moderate-income working households paying 30 per cent of their income to rent a home.