Jamie Briggs appointed Australia's first minister for Cities and Built Environment
A Minister for Cities and the Built Environment will help Australia make the most of its productivity powerhouses, says the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA).
The Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has appointed South Australian Jamie Briggs as Australia’s first Minister for Cities and the Built Environment.
“This appointment recognises not only the importance of our cities as the engine room of the nation’s productivity and prosperity, but also the central role the built environment plays in tackling many of Australia’s greatest challenges," the GBCA’s chief executive officer, Romilly Madew said.
“Minister Briggs’ long-awaited appointment will enable us to better tackle the challenges we face – challenges such as climate change, population growth, ageing demographics, congestion, housing affordability, liveability and social inclusion."
The Property Council of Australia chief executive Ken Morrison warmly welcomed Malcolm Turnbull as "perhaps our most urbanist Prime Minister ever."
"He 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 be 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 $50 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.