The reshuffle of Cabinet positions has resulted in Australia’s cities agenda becoming a ministry in its own right with Minister Paul Fletcher taking on Urban Infrastructure and Cities.
“The decision to make cities part of the Minister Fletcher’s responsibilities lays a platform for a vital economic agenda. Cities account for two-thirds of all employment and 80% of Australia’s economic growth”, said Ken Morrison, Chief Executive of the Property Council of Australia.
“Minister Angus Taylor laid a strong foundation that will allow Minister Fletcher to drive the cities agenda nationwide. We pay tribute to Angus Taylor for his work turning City Deals into a reality.
“Minister Fletcher’s work in Western Sydney with the Western Sydney Airport and City Deal makes him the right person to accelerate the Government’s cities agenda.
“As the Productivity Commission has demonstrated, better functioning cities can provide a $29 billion increase in GDP. A significant proportion of this relates to congestion which Paul Fletcher has been given charge to address.
“We note that the Urban Infrastructure and Cities portfolio sits outside Cabinet, while the senior infrastructure portfolio and regional infrastructure ministry both sit within it.
“With cities shaping so much of Australia’s economic trajectory, it is vital that these arrangements don’t result in a move away from the focus on urban infrastructure investment signalled in the May Budget.
For more information contact: Paul Ritchie on [email protected]