Taking the voice of architects, and powerful contributions to current debates on housing, construction reform, and infrastructure roll-outs, saw the Australian Institute of Architects represented at Parliament House in late March 2026. National President Adam Haddow FRAIA was joined by CEO Cameron Bruhn and Acting Head of National Council Policy and Advocacy Roslyn Dundas in a series of meetings with MPs and Senators from across political parties. Discussion focused on how design‑led approaches and universal design features are cost‑effective productivity measures: research shows it is around 22 times cheaper to incorporate livable, adaptable design in new homes than to retrofit later, supporting housing affordability, ageing in place and reduced long‑term costs.
We shared that architects play a crucial role in shaping high-quality outcomes through design leadership, advisory roles, and the commissioning and design and project management of construction projects. This expertise ensures that new developments integrate sustainability, liveability, affordability and efficiency from the outset, maximising value for both residents and the broader community.
We advocated for better integration of architectural and design expertise in NCC development and Commonwealth investment decisions to improve build quality, reduce compliance complexity, and ensure major housing and infrastructure projects deliver long‑term economic, social and environmental value.
We also discussed how a Federal Government Architect would align existing state and territory capability, provide independent whole‑of‑government design leadership and help deliver more consistent, high‑performing outcomes from national housing, infrastructure and urban policy programs.
We took the opportunity to meet with the co-chairs of the Parliamentary Friends of Australian Urban Design – this group provides a platform for parliamentarians to meet and interact with representatives of peak organisations on matters relating to good urban design.
Meetings included Lisa Chesters MP for Bendigo, Cameron Caldwell MP for Fadden, Elizabeth Watson-Brown MP for Ryan, Matt Gregg MP for Deakin, Alison Penfold MP for Lyne, Ed Husic MP for Chifley, Senator Bridget McKenzie (Vic) and staff working with Minister Clare O’Neil, Senator Lisa Darmanin (Vic) and Andrew Wilkie MP for Clark.
Work will continue to engage with the Parliamentary Friends of Australian Urban Design and ensure members interests are represented at the federal parliamentary level.