In a significant development for Australian urban design, the Parliamentary Friends of Australian Urban Design was officially launched at the 2024 Australian Urban Design Awards ceremony, held at Parliament House.
Chaired by Greens Minister for Ryan, Elizabeth Watson Brown MP, Labor Minister for Moreton, Graham Perrett MP, and Liberal Minister for Fadden, Cameron Caldwell MP, this initiative marks a collaborative effort to champion excellence in urban design and influence government policies for the betterment of Australia’s built environment.
The establishment of this group highlights the commitment of key membership bodies to driving positive change within the built environment.
Led by the Australian Institute of Architects, the Planning Institute of Australia, and the Australian Institute of Landscape Architecture, along with numerous other supporters, this initiative aims to foster bipartisan dialogue and collaboration among Senators, Members of Parliament, and relevant stakeholders.
The goals of this group are multifaceted, aiming to provide a Bipartisan Forum to facilitate constructive discussions among Senators, Members of Parliament, and stakeholders on matters related to urban design, fostering bipartisan cooperation and understanding. Additionally, the group seeks to raise awareness of the importance of good design among all Senators and Members of Parliament, while providing a platform to showcase excellence in design practices across Australia.
The group aims to engage stakeholders to address design issues that significantly impact the economic, environmental, social, and cultural well-being of communities, ensuring a holistic approach to development.
Elizabeth Watson Brown MP emphasised the positive impact of good design on communities: “It is my strong belief that good design can – and should – positively influence the economic, environmental, social, and cultural health of communities.”
She expressed pride in the collaboration of key organisations, and stated: “Of particular personal and professional interest to me has always been the design and shaping of our cities where over 85 per cent of Australians live and where most carbon pollution and much social dislocation are produced.”
The Parliamentary Friends of Australian Urban Design comprises members from various political parties and regions, reflecting a collaborative approach to development.
Members of this group include Co-Chairs: Elizabeth Watson-Brown MP, Greens Member for Ryan; Graham Perrett MP, ALP Member for Moreton; and Cameron Caldwell MP, Liberal Member for Fadden.
Other members are Tania Lawrence, ALP Member for Hasluck; the Hon Bridget McKenzie, National Senator for Victoria; Senator David Pocock, Independent Senator for ACT; Senator David Shoebridge, Greens Senator; Libby Coker MP, ALP Member for Corangamite; and Jerome Laxale MP, ALP Member for Bennelong.
The launch of this initiative marks a significant step towards promoting excellence and sustainability in Australian urban design.
With bipartisan support and a diverse range of stakeholders, this initiative has the potential to drive meaningful change and create more livable and vibrant communities across the country.