The Albanese Government’s interim National Housing Supply and Affordability Council will be led by Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz (pictured above).
Ms Lloyd-Hurwitz, widely regarded as one of Australia’s most distinguished property executives in recent decades, will begin her new post next year.
Ms Lloyd-Hurwitz is currently CEO of Mirvac, but is stepping down from her role in June 2023. She has held roles at Macquarie Bank and on the board of the Property Council of Australia and the Green Building Council of Australia, among others. Ms Lloyd-Hurwitz also serves on the Property Champions of Change Steering Committee.
Minister for Housing and Minister for Homelessness Julie Collins said the appointment was an important step in implementing the Albanese Government’s ambitious housing agenda.
“We want to ensure our investments are underpinned by expert advice,” Minister Collins said.
“That’s why we’re creating a National Housing Supply and Affordability Council, to deliver independent advice to Government on ways to increase housing supply and affordability.
“Ms Lloyd-Hurwitz’s experience in the sector will be invaluable as we continue working to ensure more Australians have a safe and affordable place to call home.”
Ms Lloyd-Hurwitz will be joined on the interim Council by Housing Choices Australia’s Managing Director and former Community Housing Industry Association Chair Michael Lennon, who will bring his extensive background in the not-for-profit community housing sector to the role of Deputy Chair.
The pair will be joined by interim Board members:
- Professor Rachel ViforJ, a prominent housing economist and member of the Steering Committee for the Asia-Pacific Network for Housing Research;
- Helen Waters Silvia, CEO of the Women’s and Girls’ Emergency Centre, a specialist homelessness service for women and families escaping domestic violence;
- Dr Marcus Spiller, a highly regarded urban economist and planner, and former member of the National Housing Supply Council; and
- David O’Loughlin, Urban Renewal Authority Director and former President of the Australian Local Government Association.
The interim National Housing Supply and Affordability Council will commence on January 1st and is intended to operate until the Council is established permanently in legislation.
Exposure draft legislation to establish the Council was released on Monday.
Property Council of Australia Chief Executive Ken Morrison said the independent advice of the newly formed council will be critical in addressing the growing housing supply and affordability gaps.
“The interim Housing Supply and Affordability Council will ensure the government’s ambition to boost housing supply and affordability is supported by expert independent advice,” Mr Morrison said.
“In selecting a leader as well-regarded and experienced in creating housing supply as Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz, the Minister has demonstrated her serious intent to tackle one of the country’s most persistent public policy challenges.
“These nominations to the interim Council will enable the Federal Government to strengthen its role in addressing the need for affordable and social housing over the next few decades.
“The sustained support and goodwill of state, territory and local governments via the new Housing Accord will also be essential to making headway,” he said.