Staff from the Humanities Learning Area, alongside nine Year 12 Geography and Economics students, attended the launch of the Bankwest Curtin Economic Centre’s report on housing affordability at the Hyatt on 31 May. Keynote speakers and a panel of experts discussed and debated key issues affecting housing such as availability and affordability.

The Honourable Peter Tinley AM, MLA, the Minister for Housing and Cath Hart, Executive Director of Housing Industry Association WA answered questions from groups representing critical stakeholders. Key areas of the report and the discussion covered content in both the Year 12 Geography and Economics ATAR syllabus. In this way, it was a fantastic opportunity for staff and students to see the real-life application and integration of these two subjects.

Geography student, Marnie Kennedy said, “I find it so fascinating that we as students are now at an age where we are able to comprehend the importance of our classroom learning. As a geography student I am very much a visual learner; as the map showing the distribution of housing costs in the Perth region flashed upon the screen my face lit up.  To see so many likeminded individuals gathering together using the content we are learning in the real world is an encouraging sight as I pursue a future in the field of geography.”

Economics student, Sarah Cain said “Attending the BCEC housing affordability report launch was an amazing experience, which was beneficial to my economics study. It was eye-opening to see the struggle many Australians are having in purchasing a home due to the rising house prices and the sacrifices people are making in order to buy a home. It emphasised how disposable income is limited, and funding a deposit is becoming more and more difficult especially for younger Australians.”