New Housing Supply Council members unveiled

Representing a range of expertise sourced from various corners of the nation, these appointments are set to wield influence in shaping innovative housing policies under the banner of the National Housing Supply and Affordability Council.

The Albanese government, replacing the interim Council, has unveiled the members of the Council following the passage of legislation earlier this year to establish it as a statutory body effective from 27 December.

Minister for Housing Julie Collins expressed her confidence in the Council’s potential, emphasising its pivotal role in providing autonomous expert advice to the Albanese government.

“We want to ensure that our approaches to increasing the supply of all housing – more homes to buy and more homes to rent – are informed by advice from some of Australia’s leading housing experts,” Ms Collins said.

“This is exactly what the new Council will deliver – I look forward to receiving the important work of the Council.”

Leading the charge as chair of the statutory Council will be Susan Lloyd‑Hurwitz, who previously led the interim Council and brings a wealth of property experience.

Joining her as deputy chair is Dr Marcus Spiller, a distinguished urban economist and incumbent member of the interim Council.

They will be joined by Council members:

• Michael Lennon, current chair of regional housing and planning at the University of South Australia.
• Gail McGowan PSM, current chancellor of Murdoch University and director of Foundation Housing Western Australia.
• Professor Rachel Ong ViforJ, a housing economist and incoming 2024 vice-chair and member of the steering committee for the Asia‑Pacific Network for Housing Research.
• Carolyn Viney, chief executive of Super Housing Partnerships that focuses on build‑to‑rent housing with a mix of affordable, social housing, market rate, and specialist disability accommodation.
• Helen Waters Silvia, CEO of the Women’s and Girls’ Emergency Centre, a specialist homelessness service for women and families in crisis including escaping domestic violence.
• Neil Willmett, CEO of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Queensland.

These appointments are hoped to provide a high level of skills and experience to the Council to address the various pressing housing issues confronting the nation.

The inaugural meeting of the statutory Council is slated for early 2024, marking the formal transition from its interim operations initiated earlier this year.

[Related: Housing affordability concern reach record highs: Property Council]