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autumn 2026Now openMarch 2026May 20260 participants

Autumn 2026

A National Housing and Homelessness Plan was promised. It didn't happen and political intransigence suggests that it might not be possible for politicians to make a decent plan. Drawing on lessons from How Big Things Get Done, this assembly will examine what has been done with existing plans and make recommendations to government about whether we think those plans meet expectations, or call for evidence based revision.

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Goals

Advise policy makers about the quality of the housing plans they have made, and what should be considered in making the plan that has been promised. If our public representatives won't follow through on the commitment to make a plan, the Dwellsembly will hold the pen on the first draft.

Preparation

Consider the National Housing Accord, which sets out the current 5 year plan to deliver 1.2 million new, well-located homes; and the Homes for NSW Strategy, which sets out a plan to deliver decent homes. Using How Big Things Get Done, we're going to consider the quality of these plans.

Eligibility

Be 18+ (or bring an adult), currently reside in Australia and accept the principles that this group is a safe place for open dialogue for people with diverse perspectives (it is not a combative debate). Everyone is expected to have considered the material on the reading list.

Reading list

How Big Things Get Done

Bent Flyvbjerg & Dan Gardner

The book we use as a framework for evaluating whether housing plans are set up to succeed.

Housing: The Great Australian Right

Kevin Bell

If having a home is recognised as a human right, Australian policy should be reoriented. What follows is an expectation that the adequacy of homes require is determined by reference to social, economic, cultural, climatic, ecological and other factors. Attributes of adequacy are security of tenure, availability of services, facilities and infrastructure, affordability, habitability, accessibility, location and cultural adequacy.