Young Australians are not just fighting for a home but for a fair go in a system that seems increasingly stacked against them.

Australia’s housing crisis is not just an economic or social issue but a crisis of leadership. As Australians grapple with the consequences of decades of policy inertia, the call for bold, transformative action has never been louder. This requires a departure from the electoral populism that has characterised government approaches to housing.

The housing crisis has become a glaring testament to decades of government inaction and misdirection. As house prices soar and wages stagnate, the dream of home ownership recedes long into the distance for many Australians. The housing crisis degrades the fabric of our society and calls into question the leadership and policies that have led us here.

For years, successive governments have approached the housing affordability issue with short-term fixes rather than sustainable, enduring solutions. The offering of grants to prospective home-buyers, a popular yet flawed strategy, serves as a prime example of this short-sightedness.

While appealing, these grants often lead to an inflationary effect on house prices, reversing their intended benefit. Handing out, for example, $20,000 to assist with purchasing a home may seem like a boon for buyers, but when every prospective buyer receives the same, the market adjusts accordingly, with prices rising to absorb this new purchasing power.

Instead of creating a more accessible market, such policies have contributed to escalating prices, pushing the dream of home ownership even further out of reach for the average Australian. It’s a reminder of the need for leadership that looks beyond the next election cycle, focusing instead on the structural changes necessary to ensure housing affordability and stability.

The government’s reliance on quick fixes has neglected the urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul of housing policy, including the drastic increase in the construction of new, affordable housing and the streamlining of development processes to meet contemporary needs.

Increasing housing supply should not be a carte blanche for unchecked urban sprawl. We need thoughtful urban planning that prioritises accessibility, affordability, and quality of life. This means long-term investments in infrastructure, public transport, and community services to ensure that new developments are places where people want to live and can afford to do so.

Home ownership is more than a financial investment; it’s a cornerstone of the Australian identity. It represents stability, security, and the achievement of a significant life milestone. Owning a piece of Australia is a source of pride, offering not just a physical space but a sense of belonging and community.

The Australian dream of home ownership should not be an exclusive club for the privileged few but a universal aspiration within reach for all, especially our young people.

Only through courageous and considered leadership can we hope to address the systemic issues at the heart of the housing crisis, restoring the Australian dream for future generations.

The health, happiness, and future of our nation depend on it.

Blake Keating is a member of the NSW Liberal Party State Executive and is a former President of the Australian Liberal Students’ Federation.