Research projects to focus on Australia’s housing policies

Issues affecting all Australians, including housing, homelessness and social policy will be the focus of eight research projects receiving a total of $850,000 in government funding.

The Minister for Family and Community Services, Senator Kay Patterson, today announced the 2005 research program for the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI).

“As part of a collaborative process between the Howard Government and the States and Territories, each of these projects will contribute to the development and implementation of government policy on a wide range of issues,” Senator Patterson said.

“These projects will include research on social services for older Australians, homelessness, housing affordability in regional Australia and the impact of housing assistance on the wellbeing of families and communities.

“Since its establishment in 2000, AHURI has worked closely with the Howard Government, States and Territories and selected universities to conduct policy-relevant research on housing and related urban issues in Australia.

“This year we have allocated funding to a network of universities throughout Australia including Swinburne (Victoria), the University of Queensland, Murdoch University (WA), the University of Canberra and the University of New South Wales.

“The research projects will include the ‘Integrating housing, support and care for older people’ project; the Housing, Housing Assistance and Social Cohesion in Australia project; the Homelessness and Families project; and the Regional Impact of Housing Costs and Assistance on Financial Disadvantage project.”

The majority of projects will commence shortly and be completed within a 12-month timeframe.

“Between 2000 and 2005, the Howard Government will have provided $9 million in research funding, clearly demonstrates a commitment to housing, homelessness and other social policy issues in Australia,” Senator Patterson said.