Hazel is currently a Research Fellow at the Social Policy Research Centre where she is working on a variety of housing-related and other research projects. Hazel Blunden is a project manager and social policy specialist with more than 15 years’ experience working on commissioned research projects for NGOs, local and state government, managing projects from inception to conclusion.
Hazel has a particular expertise in housing policy issues. She is an AHURI author and has a published a range of book chapters and articles on housing and homelessness issues. Hazel is adept at designing qualitative and quantitative tools, organising and undertaking fieldwork. She has extensive experience in working with vulnerable people of diverse backgrounds and ensuring the active involvement of participants in research.
In addition to research work, Hazel also lectures and tutors across a range of social sciences and economics courses at UNSW and UTS.
Prior to joining UNSW, Hazel was Senior Research Assistant at the Urban Research Centre at Western Sydney University where she worked on a variety of research projects for the NSW Government, local Governments, and NGOs. Earlier in her career, Hazel was an advisor to a NSW Parliamentarian in the Housing, Fair Trading and other portfolio areas. Prior to this, Hazel was Policy Officer at housing peak body Shelter NSW, and before that, a Tenant's Advocate in community legal centres.
Hazel currently sits on the Inner West Council Affordable Housing Strategic Reference Committee in a voluntary capacity.
Qualifications:
Ph.D. (Human Geography), Macquarie University, 2002
Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in Sociology, La Trobe University, 1994