Housing Shortfalls and Overseas Migration: A Tale of Two Regions
Australia is currently experiencing its worst housing crisis in over three decades. Cost of living is outstripping wage growth, rental vacancies are near all-time lows, and homelessness is rising. Yet every city and region is experiencing the crisis differently. In Melbourne and Sydney, a lack of planning is driving prices to eyewatering heights, while in Darwin rents are becoming untenable because its transitory population don’t want to buy houses. A one-size-fits all approach to the crisis will not work Australia-wide. So what interventions will make a difference in the here and now?
Bhanu Bhatia
Complex Interconnectedness: Climate Change and Non-Economic Loss in the Pacific Islands
Loss from climate change is already with us. Whether it is slow onset changes like sea level rise and droughts, or extreme and sudden events like cyclones and heatwaves, these losses are irreversible and occur despite our mitigation and adaptation efforts. While economic losses are simple to calculate what is also at risk are the arguably more important non-economic elements that make up a life, such as the loss of identity, sense of place, health and wellbeing, cultural heritage, Indigenous knowledge, or biodiversity.
Rachel Clissold, Karen E McNamara, and Ross Westoby
Going Through Social Red Lights: Combatting Hate Speech, Prejudice, and Incitement
Language is fundamental to identity, both individually and culturally - and when tensions flare up, language is the first tool of violence. It, therefore, holds immense and transformative power, not only mirroring reality but shaping it. In the urgent fight against hate speech and prejudice, we need to understanding it at a linguistic level, to illuminate the pivotal role of language in fomenting violence, and providing insights into offenders’ motivations and involvement in incitement.
Awni Etaywe
HECS: Good Marks on a Tough Assignment – But Still Fit for Purpose?
Higher education finance is a policy nightmare. In Australia, the Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) has opened the door to university for millions of students. But with course costs on the rise, Universities struggling for resources, and graduate wages falling, the sector is in need of review. HECS sits at the heart of the university sector, what are the ways that the system can be tweaked to provide better outcomes for all parties?
Ken Gannicott
