Structural Change and Spatial Equity in Sydney

Abstract

Sydney has been experiencing rapid structural economic change in the 1980s. This has influenced conditions in the labour market and the housing market, resulting in significant redistribution of income. One clearly observable dimension of these changes is growing spatial inequality between the component local government areas. Analysis of the 1981 and 1986 Census data illustrates these trends. It is argued that, because spatial inequity is largely a manifestation of national economic forces, its redress requires a reversal of macroeconomic policies.

Keywords:

• spatial equity
• employment
• housing
• structural change.