Research in the news

A recent report by Domain has revealed the pace of rent increases has slowed despite rising property prices. Dr Chris Martin from the City Futures Research Centre highlights that renters are "tapped out" after years of rapid rental hikes, causing landlords to stall further increases.

A dementia-friendly screening of Top End Wedding will run at The National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA) as part of NAIDOC Week. Dr Jodi Brooks from the School of the Arts & Media discusses her collaboration with the NFSA to develop this program and the importance of accessing cinema for those living with dementia. [Timestamp 01:35:47]

Dr Delanie Woodlock from the School of Social Sciences comments on calls to remove men as staff members from childcare centres. She asserts that centres must "introduce systems that make it impossible for [professional offenders] to abuse children."

A joint report by ACOSS and UNSW has highlighted that many renters fear retribution for requesting maintenance to their rental property. According to Dr Chris Martin from the City Futures Research Centre, those renting privately exist within an "atmosphere of worry" with many concerned that requesting repairs will lead to a rent increase.

Dr Delanie Woodlock from the School of Social Sciences comments on the need for improved child safety protections in childcare centres. Her research into childcare serial sexual assault cases highlights systemic failures at play, and that accusations against male staff are often underscrutinised.

Dr Anir Upadhyay from the School of Built Environment discusses the ongoing need to address 'heat inequality' in housing, and observes that homes are built for climates that don't "represent today's conditions or those we will experience in the future."

Dr Robin Nagy from the School of Education comments on typically high-scaling HSC subjects but warns that the prospect of a high band isn't reason alone to take these classes. While capable students may excel in advanced classes, he observes that they are "more likely to do well" in a subject that they love.

According to Dr Chris Martin from the City Futures Research Centre, his latest research highlights "the really dreadful state of our tenancy market" and underscores the need for better education around rental rights. He notes that while some support services do exist, they're "spread too thin." [Timestamp 2:03:51]

Professor Michael Salter from the School of Social Sciences has commented on the state of the childcare sector following multiple sexual assault charges against a Victorian man. He highlights that "regulation is a huge issue here" and stresses the urgent need for a national inquiry to better protect this "particularly vulnerable group of victims." 

Professor Simon Pinnegar from the City Futures Research Centre shares insights from his research into resident-led collective property sales. He observes that this emerging trend "points to the need for stronger urban policy levers... to ensure Sydney gets the housing outcomes it needs."

According to Dr Kate Dunn from the School of Built Environment, "there are really big benefits to 3D printing and sustainability in construction." She explains that this approach requires less material than traditional construction methods and is often considered a more affordable option.

According to Dr Chris Martin from the City Futures Research Centre, his latest research highlights "the really dreadful state of our tenancy market" and underscores the need for better education around rental rights. He notes that while some support services do exist, they're "spread too thin." [Timestamp 2:03:51]

From rental increases to maintenance issues, a new joint report by ACOSS and UNSW has highlighted the key stressors renters are facing. According to Dr Chris Martin from the City Futures Research Centre, "there's this pervasive worry” among the vast majority of renters that raising concerns with landlords could put their housing at risk.

Lead author Dr Chris Martin from the City Futures Research Centre shares insights from his report, which surveyed 1,000 renters nationwide. He highlights several factors contributing to why "it's so tough for renters right now," pointing to the prevalence of rental hikes and the continued use of no-grounds evictions. [Timestamp 25:20]

In a stressed rental market, can tenants comfortably assert their rights? Dr Chris Martin from the City Futures Research Centre shares his research findings and underscores the need to better resource support services—"to make tennants feel more secure at home and raise problems with their landlords." [Timestamp 08:37]