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39 situation where public services and infrastruc- ture are not at developed-country levels. A third issue which UDIA has been raising with the federal government is regarding the afford- ability of housing in Australia’s cites. The In- stitute has pointed out that over the years the increase in the cost of housing has greatly ex- ceeded increases in income. This has resulted in taking housing out of the reach of not only low income households, but putting many middle income households under great financial strain as well. The UDIA has conveyed to the federal and state governments, that as the supply of housing has been restricted, it has put an upward pressure on prices of the available housing stock in the country. There is a need to address the basic issues which have resulted in the inadequate number of new housing projects. These have been identified by UDIA as high and inefficient taxes and charges on new housing, low invest- ment in urban infrastructure, and excessive reg- ulations and red tape. Apart from these three issues, the Institute takes up a number of other causes which are of the greatest importance for the development of Australia’s urban infrastructure. Referring to the role played by UDIA, Stephen Albin says, “We are not lobbyists, we are actually about making sure that government is implementing sensible public policy and it is becoming more and more important because there is a large volume of legislation and policies that are being enacted by government and the industry needs some- one to play this role”. Additionally, one of the most important roles played by UDIA is to enable its members to