Data

General Issues
Housing
Planning & Development
Specific Topics
Affordable Housing
Location
North Sydney
New South Wales
2060
Australia
Scope of Influence
Metropolitan Area
Videos
Overview of housing affordability forum
Start Date
Time Limited or Repeated?
A single, defined period of time
Purpose/Goal
Make, influence, or challenge decisions of government and public bodies
Approach
Co-governance
Spectrum of Public Participation
Collaborate
Total Number of Participants
30
Open to All or Limited to Some?
Open to All
Recruitment Method for Limited Subset of Population
Stratified Random Sample
General Types of Methods
Deliberative and dialogic process
General Types of Tools/Techniques
Facilitate dialogue, discussion, and/or deliberation
Specific Methods, Tools & Techniques
Deliberative Forum
Legality
Yes
Facilitators
Yes
Facilitator Training
Professional Facilitators
Face-to-Face, Online, or Both
Face-to-Face
Types of Interaction Among Participants
Discussion, Dialogue, or Deliberation
Information & Learning Resources
Written Briefing Materials
Expert Presentations
Primary Organizer/Manager
newDemocracy
Type of Organizer/Manager
Local Government
Funder
Federal member of parliament
Type of Funder
National Government

CASE

North Sydney Community Housing Forum

July 23, 2024 friedel.marquardt
February 27, 2024 friedel.marquardt
February 26, 2024 friedel.marquardt
General Issues
Housing
Planning & Development
Specific Topics
Affordable Housing
Location
North Sydney
New South Wales
2060
Australia
Scope of Influence
Metropolitan Area
Videos
Overview of housing affordability forum
Start Date
Time Limited or Repeated?
A single, defined period of time
Purpose/Goal
Make, influence, or challenge decisions of government and public bodies
Approach
Co-governance
Spectrum of Public Participation
Collaborate
Total Number of Participants
30
Open to All or Limited to Some?
Open to All
Recruitment Method for Limited Subset of Population
Stratified Random Sample
General Types of Methods
Deliberative and dialogic process
General Types of Tools/Techniques
Facilitate dialogue, discussion, and/or deliberation
Specific Methods, Tools & Techniques
Deliberative Forum
Legality
Yes
Facilitators
Yes
Facilitator Training
Professional Facilitators
Face-to-Face, Online, or Both
Face-to-Face
Types of Interaction Among Participants
Discussion, Dialogue, or Deliberation
Information & Learning Resources
Written Briefing Materials
Expert Presentations
Primary Organizer/Manager
newDemocracy
Type of Organizer/Manager
Local Government
Funder
Federal member of parliament
Type of Funder
National Government

A pilot deliberative forum was held to provide input and recommendations for the Federal Government to combat the problem of housing affordability.

Problems and Purpose

The purpose of this deliberative forum was two-fold. First, it was to hear from citizens about ways the Federal Government can improve housing affordability. [1] And second, it was to showcase the benefits of deliberative engagement for policy and decision-making. [2]

Three questions were used to encourage thinking and responses by participants:

  1. What is the one big idea we need to push Canberra [federal government] to consider?
  2. Are you writing something everyone can stand behind?
  3. Does this reflect not just your own preferences and opinions, but the group consensus? [3]

Background History and Context

In response to a brief from Climate 200 to consider ways to enhance "electoral-level engagement", the newDemocracy Foundation argued that Members of Parliament can do more to meaningfully engage with citizens. This brief and response influenced the pursuit of this deliberative initiative. [4]

Organizing, Supporting, and Funding Entities

The deliberative forum was initiated by Independent Federal Member of Parliament Kylea Tink and facilitated by the newDemocracy Foundation.

Participant Recruitment and Selection

30 residents from North Sydney took part. Participants were recruited using random stratified sampling.

Methods and Tools Used

Deliberative forum


What Went On: Process, Interaction, and Participation

Participants spent a full Sunday learning from and deliberating about how to meet the challenge of affordable housing. This involved an introduction to the deliberative process and critical thinking, considering over 60 public submissions from the community and local organisations, six expert presentations from key organisations and small group deliberations where experts would also join to answer any questions. [5]

There were six guiding questions to assist participants to critically approach ideas. Participants were also made aware of their personality types and the values they prioritise for housing affordability. [6]


Influence, Outcomes, and Effects

Lessons learned from this forum will also be used to inform future deliberative initiatives, with expected deliberations to be on the topics of intergenerational equity and climate action. [7]

Participants presented a range of recommendations that related to urban planning, infrastructure, finance, tax reform, social security, immigration and foreign ownership. The main recommendation involved allocating "Commonwealth infrastructure funding...to incentivise the development of higher density housing around public transport hubs, particularly for lower income households and essential workers". [8]


Analysis and Lessons Learned

Participants appreciated the process and saw the value of engaging in deliberative forums for public decisions. [9]

The process was also encouraging for future deliberative initiatives in the area.


See Also

References

[1] Kylea Tink (n.d.). Housing Affordability. Kylea Tink. https://www.kyleatink.com.au/housing_affordability

[2] newDemocracy (n.d.) North Sydney Community Housing Forum. newDemocracy Foundation. https://www.newdemocracy.com.au/2023/12/14/north-sydney-community-housing-forum-2/

[3] Kylea Tink (n.d.) North Sydney Community Housing Forum Report. Kylea Tink. https://assets.nationbuilder.com/northsydneysindy/pages/1077/attachments/original/1702267252/231211_KT_HousingFourm_Whitepaper.pdf?1702267252

[4] newDemocracy (n.d.) North Sydney Community Housing Forum. newDemocracy Foundation. https://www.newdemocracy.com.au/2023/12/14/north-sydney-community-housing-forum-2/

[5] Kylea Tink (n.d.). Housing Affordability. Kylea Tink. https://www.kyleatink.com.au/housing_affordability

[6] Kylea Tink (n.d.) North Sydney Community Housing Forum Report. Kylea Tink. https://assets.nationbuilder.com/northsydneysindy/pages/1077/attachments/original/1702267252/231211_KT_HousingFourm_Whitepaper.pdf?1702267252

[7] Ibid.

[8] Kylea Tink (n.d.). Housing Affordability. Kylea Tink. https://www.kyleatink.com.au/housing_affordability

[9] Ibid.

External Links

Notes