Public Housing, Public Safety and Public Sector Work: Priorities for 2026

In this episode, host Troy Wright is joined by Stewart Little for a wide-ranging discussion on the growing housing crisis facing public sector workers across New South Wales, particularly in regional and high-needs communities. They examine how the lack of affordable and secure housing is undermining workforce attraction and retention, even in areas with strong job opportunities and significant community need.The conversation also focuses on domestic and family violence, highlighting the critical role of publicly delivered, wraparound services in prevention, safety and long-term support. Troy Wright and Stewart Little reflect on the limitations of fragmented service delivery and the risks associated with outsourcing frontline services that require strong public accountability.Further discussion explores the long-term impact of privatisation on essential public services, the importance of rebuilding public sector capacity, and the case for fair wages and work value recognition across a diverse public sector workforce. The episode concludes with reflections on the major industrial, policy and service delivery challenges ahead in 2026, and the responsibility of government to support workers and the communities they serve.