Rent control may have been a factor in many major American cities, but it is far from the only contributor. Australian cities currently have many of the same structural problems that lead to these issues in American cities in the sixties seventies and eighties.

Suburbanization tied with ridgid regulations that make property development or improvement extremely costly lead to a downward spiral in property values, which means of obtaining loans insurance or other guarantees becomes nearly impossible, meaning even less redevelopment, more decay, and more crime, accelerating further suburbanization.

this feedback loop decimate inner cities.

Downward spiral in property prices?

I take it you haven't been to Perth lately?

Or Darwin.

> rent control may have been a factor in many major American cities, but it is far from the only contributor.

Right. Hence why I said "one cause".