South Australia is poised to experience significant economic growth as it continues its transition from traditional manufacturing to emerging industries. A state rich in entrepreneurship, internationally known as Australia’s defense hub and a leading premium food and agricultural exporter, South Australia is fast cementing its position as a national and world leader in a modern economy. Central to this economic growth and transformation is housing. While traditionally considered a key component of social policy, housing’s importance to successful economic policy is becoming more and more evident.

Its significant role in creating healthy, strong and cohesive communities is increasingly being linked to the economic wellbeing of individuals and state. Simply, if we want more young people to choose Adelaide as a great place to build careers and start a family, we need a good supply of affordable housing options. If we want more investors to invest in our state and build creative housing solutions, we need a well-functioning housing market that offers new opportunities. If we want our most vulnerable citizens to achieve improved economic and life outcomes, we need targeted responses that stop the cycling of people through homelessness and increase their access to stable housing.

To do this, fresh thinking is required. While not losing sight of the things we know we do well, we need to reflect on how South Australians want to be housed into the future. We need to consider a variety of solutions that meet a range of housing needs; solutions that are accessible, affordable and appropriate for all income levels, all ages, all circumstances – solutions that help people move along the housing continuum, and where possible, realize the dream of owning a home. We also need to consider how we improve and better maintain the social housing we currently have and ensure support services are person-centred and outcomes-driven.