Community economic development and public housing estates in New South Wales
Melanie Hughes
Ronald Henderson Research Foundation
Contact Email:   raynisobigpond.net.au

This paper looks at changes in the characteristics of public housing estate tenants in NSW since the mid 1970s and associated shifts in policy priorities. During last thirty years, the incidence of single parent families on estates has risen, dependence on government benefits has grown, and labour market participation has fallen. This has led to new policy efforts to ameliorate unemployment on public housing estates, as a means to prevent social exclusion.

The paper reports the results of a qualitative research study conducted in 2004 to explore the strengths, weaknesses and potential of policy approaches within the NSW Department of Housing's Community Renewal Strategy. Departmental initiatives were diverse in range; demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of the labour market needs and experiences of estate tenants; and were effective in drawing on the expertise of partner organisations in service delivery. Key weaknesses centred on program resources - with respect to funding and the rigidity of Strategy timeframes - and poor dissemination of information. Realising the potential of community economic development programs will require measures to address both program sustainability and the financial disincentives that confront estate tenants wishing to gain employment.

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