Is the next generation part of the solution to the housing crisis?

Our CEO, Michael Klevansky — an experienced professional in the property development and technology sectors, and a father of two — is looking to the future and how we can combat the housing shortage that continues to plague us (and will inevitably plague our children unless we act), while also providing the youth of today with the experiences and purpose they need to become the true leaders of tomorrow.

Australia stands at a crossroads. The transformative reforms of the Hawke, Keating, and Howard eras — from labour market liberalisation to superannuation and the GST — have served us well, fundamentally reshaping our nation and driving decades of prosperity. These visionary leaders, backed by bold policy agendas, gave Australia clear direction and purpose. Today, that vision has largely run its course, and we find ourselves adrift in search of the next great Australian project.

The challenges facing our nation are profound and interconnected. Our youth are struggling with unprecedented levels of anxiety and depression, trapped in digital echo chambers that promise connection but deliver isolation. The virtual world, for all its advantages, has created a generation that spends more time looking at screens than looking each other in the eye. The fundamental skills of human interaction — empathy, conflict resolution, and genuine connection — are being eroded.

This social fragmentation coincides with practical crises in productivity and housing. We face critical labor shortages across essential sectors, while many workers lack the practical skills needed in today's economy. The housing crisis has reached a breaking point, with both first-home buyers and investors struggling to enter a market where construction costs and regulations have made affordable housing nearly impossible to deliver.

In short: we are becoming a nation of people who are unhappy, unproductive, and alone.

But within these challenges lies an opportunity to reimagine our future.

Looking to the future

I propose a bold new vision for Australia: A National Service Program that will reconnect our youth, rebuild our workforce, and reinvigorate our national spirit.

This isn't the military service of old, but rather a modern program designed for today's challenges. Here's how it works: Each year, diverse groups of ten school leavers from across the country would come together for 12 months of paid service. These teams would be carefully composed to bring together young Australians from different backgrounds, creating bonds that cross social, economic, and cultural boundaries.

Participants would engage in two six-month projects, working in sectors crucial to our nation's future. Think aged care, healthcare, construction, and community service. The program would match participants' skills and interests with national needs, creating meaningful work experiences that benefit both the individual and society.

The government would provide each participant with $50,000 tax-free for their year of service – a significant investment in their future that could become a deposit on a home, fund further education, or launch a business venture.

This program would address multiple national challenges simultaneously:

1. Social cohesion: By bringing together young Australians from diverse backgrounds in meaningful work, we create lasting bonds that strengthen our social fabric.
2. Mental health: Real-world experiences and genuine human connections would help combat the isolation and anxiety plaguing our youth.
3. Workforce development: Participants would gain practical skills and work experience in essential sectors, addressing critical labor shortages.
4. Housing crisis: Teams working in construction would directly contribute to increasing housing supply while earning money toward their own future homes.
5. National unity: Shared experiences of service would create a new generation of Australians who understand each other's perspectives and feel invested in our collective future.

The program could be designed to be cost-neutral, with participating organisations potentially contributing to offset the government's investment. However, the real return on investment would be measured in social capital, practical skills development, and the creation of a more unified and purposeful nation.

This vision builds on Australia's proud multicultural heritage while addressing contemporary challenges. It offers our youth something they desperately need: purpose, connection, and a pathway to financial security. More importantly, it offers Australia what it needs: a new generation of citizens who understand the value of community, hard work, and shared purpose.

The great reforms of the past succeeded because they offered clear solutions to the challenges of their time. Today's challenges are different, but no less pressing. It's time for Australia to embrace a new vision — one that brings us together, builds our capabilities, and creates a stronger, more united nation for the future.

The public appetite for such a program is already evident. In countless conversations with parents across the country, I've yet to encounter a single one who doesn't support this concept. They recognise that their children need more than just academic education — they need real-world experience, genuine connections, and a sense of purpose.

Implementation could begin with a voluntary program, allowing us to refine the model and demonstrate its value. After five years of proven success, we could transition to a mandatory program, ensuring all young Australians benefit from this transformative experience.

This measured approach would allow us to build public confidence, develop effective partnerships with participating organisations, and create a robust infrastructure to support the program at scale. The question now is not whether we can afford to implement such a program, but whether we can afford not to. Our future as a cohesive, productive, and happy nation may depend on it.