New minister for cities a welcome economic initiative

The appointment of Australia’s first ever federal Minister for Cities is a welcome step to addressing Australia’s low productivity levels, says the Property Council of Australia.

Property Council chief executive Ken Morrison warmly welcomed Jamie Briggs as Minister for Cities and the Built Environment.

“Malcolm Turnbull is perhaps our most urbanist Prime Minister ever and has lost no time in placing cities firmly on the federal agenda,” Mr Morrison said.

“Make no mistake about it, this is a key economic appointment.

“The move recognises that in the most urbanised country in the world Australia’s productivity challenges are going to need to be met in our cities.

“With the property industry accounting for one ninth of Australia’s GDP and employing 1.1 million people – more than mining and manufacturing combined – there is an increasing urban dimension to the economy.

“Jamie Briggs is a smart appointment as the new Cities Minister given his record in securing the government’s $ billion infrastructure commitment in last year’s budget.

“The move mirrors one already made by the Opposition last year in appointing Anthony Albanese as shadow cities minister, and it is very pleasing to now see a bipartisan approach to the importance of this issue.”

The Property Council also congratulated Scott Morrison – a former head of research for the organisation in the 1990s – on his appointment as federal Treasurer.

“New Treasurer Scott Morrison has a razor sharp policy brain and understands our industry and its importance to the economy like no other,” Mr Morrison said.

“The Prime Minister referred to tax policy as central to the economic future of the country and we have every confidence that Scott Morrison and the newly appointed Assistant Treasurer Kelly O’Dwyer will make a strong combination.”

Media contact:  Fiona Benson |  M  0407 294 620  |  E  [email protected]