The first instalment of the New Economy Journal for 2023 explores the challenges and inequities produced by our current housing system and capitalist economy, and showcases some of the work organisations around Australia are doing to create alternative models. Elena Pereyra, Chair of Cohousing Australia, outlines the benefits of a cohousing model. Bernie Barrett from Better Renting Australia highlights the Healthy Homes for Renters initiative, drawing attention to the inadequate housing conditions with which many renters contend. Allan Connolly shares his lived experience of homelessness, and how he is now using that experience to advocate for zero homelessness in Western Australia. Finally, Ted Trainer pens an open letter calling for a simpler approach to living, offering his views on what it will take if we really want to save the environment.
We wanted to start the year by shining a light on some of the wonderful work to build a new economy being done in the housing and community space. As always, we hope these articles provoke discussion and debate, and provide hope and insight into how we can build a new, just and sustainable economy.
Table of Contents
Zero Homelessness Summit and the Advance to Zero approach to end homelessness
Healthy Homes for Renters ‘Community Sector Blueprint’
Cohousing Australia: Exploring a new model of housing for the New Economy
So you want to save the environment: Do you realise what it will take?