Events

Live Q&A event: Pushing policy to the limit

Posted October 07, 2024

SGS Economics and Planning Pushing Policy F Inal
  • Wednesday 23 October 2024
  • 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm (AEDT)
  • Zoom Webinar

Interested in the event but unable to attend?
We encourage you to register, and we will share the recording with you afterwards.


Australia is home to nearly 27 million people, and with a projected increase of an additional 13 million over the next 40 years, this growth presents new challenges and opportunities. Addressing these will require thoughtful planning and policies, as well as infrastructure that can support the future needs of Australians.

While governments are already focusing on policies to increase housing supply, this only addresses part of the issue. A central question remains: where do we want future Australians to live? The answer to this has far-reaching implications for our services, infrastructure, and overall planning.

This event will explore how to better plan for Australians' future needs. From housing and infrastructure to services and sustainability, we’ll consider different policy approaches that can guide where and how Australians will live in the coming decades.

This is an opportunity for panellists to answer questions that may help shape better public policy:

  • How can we shape policies today to guide this growth sustainably and equitably?
  • How will evolving policies guide population distribution and growth?
  • What possibilities lie ahead for our cities and regions?
  • How can we plan effectively to meet the needs of a growing and changing population?

Join us as panellists consider how forward-thinking policies can manage population growth, promote sustainability, and build resilient communities for the future.

Hear from Dr Marcus Spiller, SGS Principal and Partner, Kirstie Allen, Non-Executive Director and PhD Candidate, and Rob Stokes, former New South Wales Minister for Infrastructure, Cities, and Active Transport. SGS Senior Associate Ben Taylor will moderate the event.


SGS Economics and Planning Policy Limit Event

Dr Marcus Spiller is a founding partner at SGS and a Life Fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia. He is a leading voice in urban planning with a passion for social justice and ensuring equitable access to opportunities. With a distinguished career spanning roles as a consultant, academic, and government adviser, Marcus is an expert in regional economic development, housing policy, and metropolitan governance. He serves on key national and state housing advisory panels and holds an honorary Associate Professorship at the University of Melbourne. Marcus is also a regular speaker and a strong advocate for metropolitan reform and governance.

Kirstie Allen has had a long career involved in the development evidence-based strategy, policy, programs and delivery across multiple portfolios and jurisdictions. Kirstie is a Non-Executive Director and completing a PhD at the School of Architecture, Design and Planning at the University of Sydney where she is studying a climate-first approach to population policy and its links to housing and infrastructure. Prior to this Kirstie has been a Deputy Secretary at the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment and Infrastructure NSW and held senior executive roles at NSW Treasury, Health Infrastructure, Department of Planning, and Natural Resources, Sydney Water and the Department of Trade and Investment. Kirstie also had leadership roles in consulting which and has been involved in developing COAG planning reforms and long-term city and infrastructure plans.

Rob Stokes is an urbanist and industry professor for ESG at Macquarie University. Currently serving on the Australian Government Urban Policy Forum and as Chair of the Connect Macquarie Park Innovation District, Rob was the first ever Minister for Public Spaces, and Australia’s first ever minister for Active Transport. Rob also served as Minister for Planning, Cities, Infrastructure, Transport, Education, Environment and Heritage, in a parliamentary career over 16 years. Rob is a regular columnist on cities and planning and has written extensively in industry and academic books and journals. A qualified lawyer, Rob has read geography at Oxford and has completed a PhD in planning law at Macquarie University, as well as holding an honorary doctorate from UTS. Rob also serves as Chair of Faith Housing Australia and as a director with the Hillview Foundation Australia.

Ben Taylor is a transport and urban planner with over a decade of experience in transport modelling, planning, and policy. He has worked on major city-shaping projects across Australia and is passionate about creating cities where people can move freely. Ben's expertise spans urban policy, governance, public transport, and infrastructure appraisal.


This event is being held jointly by SGS Economics and Planning and LGiU Australia.

LGiU Australia is a local government think tank committed to an innovative and sustainable local government sector. As a member-led organisation, its purpose is to share ideas and best practices, encourage innovation and collaboration, and develop research that drives the sector forward. LGiU Australia is a partnership between SGS Economics and Planning and not-for-profit think tank LGiU.

SGS Economics and Planning is an urban and public policy consultancy and certified B Corp. We work so that all Australians can benefit from equitable and sustainable cities and regions. Our evidence-based insights help to understand how places and economies function, assess what projects and programs work, and plan future places and precincts.

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