Media Releases
Monday, 27th October 2014
Coalition Caves On Urban Policy Forum
This follows months of Labor pressuring the Abbott Government to confirm the continuation of the Urban Policy Forum and announce a meeting date.
Mr Mike Mrdak, Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development, told Labor at the Senate Estimates Committee Hearings in February the Forum was ‘unlikely to meet’.
In May, Mr Mrdak said ‘clearly the government has more pressing priorities…’
Yet in a remarkable turnaround, just last week the Department notified members of the Urban Policy Forum that a briefing of members would take place tomorrow at the Department.
Whilst Tuesday’s meeting is a step in the right direction, it is unfortunate to see its only purpose is to brief members on the 2014 State of Australian Cities report and provide an update from the Department, rather than any dialogue.
Labor created the Urban Policy Forum in 2012 as a meeting space to seek advice from industry and policy experts, not just convey information.
Labor takes urban policy seriously. This is why late last month Opposition Leader Bill Shorten added the new shadow portfolio of Cities to my responsibilities.
We have established a new Urban Policy Dialogue, which will meet on the 1st of December in Parliament House.
The Urban Policy Dialogue will provide input for urban policy experts so Labor can offer a comprehensive policy for better cities at the next federal election and beyond.
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Electorate Office
334a Marrickville Rd
Marrickville NSW 2204
Phone: 02 9564 3588
Parliament House Office
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Canberra ACT 2600
Phone: 02 6277 7700
Electorate Office
334a Marrickville Rd
Marrickville NSW 2204
Phone: 02 9564 3588
Parliament House Office
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Phone: 02 6277 7700
Phone: (02) 9564 3588
Fax: (02) 9564 1734
Email: A.Albanese.MP@aph.gov.au
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which our offices stand and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge the sorrow of the Stolen Generations and the impacts of colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We also recognise the resilience, strength and pride of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Authorised by Anthony Albanese. 334a Marrickville Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204.