Home ϲ ϲ History History Independent evidence for better housing, homelessness and cities policy The ϲ is a unique partnership between the Commonwealth and state and territory governments and an Australia-wide network of university partners. For over 25 years, ϲ has delivered vital research and insights that have guided governments and shaped community thinking. It has built a vast and informative evidence-base and advanced knowledge of housing, homelessness and urban issues. ϲ origins Inception of ϲ Limited ϲ today ϲ was initially formed as a smaller entity in 1993 on the basis of a recommendation of the National Housing Strategy. The earliest formation of ϲ was as a collaborative centre between RMIT, CSIRO, Monash University and QUT. While the key priority areas were similar (housing affordability, sustainable cities and built environment regulation), as a joint venture ϲ Mark1 was not set up with a sustainable structure. After six years of operating in this way, ϲ underwent a comprehensive review of its structure, resource allocations and funding model. In 1999 ϲ Limited was established as an incorporated body to manage relationships between researchers, policy makers, industry and community. Since then, ϲ has operated under a multilateral funding model with state, territory and Federal Government funding, as well as a national network of university partners. Lessons learned from the early model allowed ϲ to springboard into the new millennium as a tightly networked institute focused on producing impactful research at a national level. ϲ is now a respected national independent research network with an expert not-for-profit research management company at its centre. ϲ continues to inform all levels of government, non-government sectors (both private and not-for-profit), peak organisations and the community. The Institute also plays a key role in stimulating debate in the media and the broader Australian community.
