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 on Monday 18 March 2024. 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 our built environment.
The establishment of the Parliamentary Friends of Australian Urban Design is a testament to 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 the Parliamentary Friends of Australian Urban Design are multifaceted, aiming to:
- Provide a Bipartisan Forum: Facilitate constructive discussions among Senators, Members of Parliament, and stakeholders on matters pertaining to Australian urban design, fostering bipartisan cooperation and understanding.
- Raise Awareness: Increase awareness of the importance of good urban design among all Senators and Members of Parliament, while providing a platform to showcase excellence in urban design practices across Australia.
- Engage Stakeholders: Collaborate with stakeholders to address urban design issues that significantly impact the economic, environmental, social, and cultural well-being of communities, ensuring a holistic approach to urban development.
- Communicate the Critical Role of Urban Design: Advocate for the pivotal role of good urban design in shaping the nation’s identity and emphasize the collaborative relationships essential for successful built environment development.
Elizabeth Watson Brown MP, expressed her enthusiasm for leading this initiative saying, “It is my strong belief that good urban design can – and should – positively influence the economic, environmental, social, and cultural health of communities. It is so great to see the Australian Institute of Architects, the Planning Institute of Australia and the Australian Institute of Landscape Architecture, as well as many other supporters, coming together in this multi-partisan group Parliamentary Friends of Australian Urban Design to drive change in their industry.”
“I am very proud to be co-chairing this important group as a relatively new MP after a 40-year career as an architect and an urbanist. Of particular personal and professional interest to me has always been the design and shaping of our cities where over 85% of Australians live and where most carbon pollution and much social dislocation is produced.”
“Urban resilience, de-carbonisation, accessibility and social equity are fundamental to a sustainable, survivable future for all of us and the professions, the community and the parliament can share agency in designing this future together.”
“The launch of the Parliamentary Friends of Australian Urban Design heralds a new era of collaboration and advocacy, reinforcing the commitment of Parliamentarians to championing innovative and sustainable urban design practices for the benefit of all Australians,” says Ms Watson-Brown.
Parliamentary Friends of Australia Urban Design members
- Ms Elizabeth Watson-Brown MP, Greens Member for Ryan, Co-Chair
- Mr Graham Perrett MP, ALP Member for Moreton, Co-Chair
- Mr Cameron Caldwell MP, Liberal Member for Fadden, Co-Chair
- Ms 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
- Ms Libby Coker MP, ALP Member for Corangamite
- Mr Jerome Laxale MP, ALP Member for Bennelong
View images from the 2024 Australian Urban Design Awards.
For all media enquiries, please contact James Kennedy, Head of Communications: james.kennedy@architecture.com.au
