Transforming the Housing Sector: Building for a Better Future

Victoria is in the grip of a housing crisis that has reached critical proportions, driven by soaring property prices, a shortage of affordable homes, and rising rental costs. Rapid population growth, coupled with insufficient housing supply, has left many people struggling to find secure and suitable accommodation. The crisis disproportionately affects low-income earners, young people, and vulnerable populations, exacerbating social inequality and homelessness. The demand for rental properties far outstrips availability, pushing rents to unaffordable levels and placing additional pressure on public and social housing systems.

Addressing this crisis requires bold action, including policy reforms to increase housing supply, incentives for affordable developments, protections for renters, and expanded support for those experiencing homelessness. Without urgent and coordinated efforts, the housing crisis threatens to undermine Melbourne and Victoria’s livability and economic stability.

For our Opening Event of 2025, Melbourne Forum is privileged to have Cath Evans and Dr Jonathan Spear join us for a discussion on this critically important issue.

Cath is the Victorian Executive Director of the Property Council of Australia, and the Chair of WAYSS, a not-for-profit housing provider in the South East region of Melbourne that helps people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and those who have experienced family violence. She has a wealth of experience and expertise gained from high-profile executive leadership roles in Australia and the UK, and from a portfolio of Board, Committee and Advisory roles. During her successful legal career Cath focused on delivering legal services to consumers and the SME market. Cath has also contributed to major initiatives such as the NDIS scheme and to law reform across various jurisdictions.

So please join us to kick-off a wonderful year, re-connect with your fellow members, and engage on this vital topic.