Industry groups praise new Ministry, focus on cities

Industry groups have applauded the appointment of Jamie Briggs as the Minister for Cities and the Built Environment.
For many years, industry have been calling for a portfolio dedicated to Australia's cities and the built environment.
The announcement is part of the new Ministry announced by Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull.
Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) CEO, Romilly Madew, said this appointment recognises the central role the built environment plays in tackling many of Australia’s greatest challenges.
“Our industry has called for a Minister for Cities loudly and repeatedly for many years," she said.
“Around 80 per cent of Australians live in our capital cities – and this is expected to grow as an additional 10 million people call our cities home over the next 40 years.
“Prime Minister Turnbull has been actively engaged in the cities space for many years and acknowledges that cities, long overlooked by federal governments, are home to our most valuable economic assets – our people."
The Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC) executive director, Suzanne Toumbourou, said leadership and coordination at a Federal level is vital to delivering greater productivity, prosperity and a better standard of living.
"We very much look forward to working closely with Minister Briggs to leverage the strengths of industry and every sphere of government in helping to deliver more productive, liveable and  sustainable cities," she said.
Consult Australia CEO, Megan Motto, joined the chorus of praise stating the new Cabinet reflects the power of diversity and renewal to foster productivity and confidence.
"We also welcome the continuation of the government's strong infrastructure agenda through the leadership provided by Deputy Prime Minister, Warren Truss," Motto said.
"Alongside the delivery of the government's infrastructure priorities, the creation of a Cities & Built Environment portfolio reflects the important role of the federal government to help  co-ordinate and lead evidence-based policy nationally, and support collaboration across our states, territories and local government for more productive, sustainable and liveable cities."
The Environment portfolio remains unchanged with Greg Hunt continuing as Minister while Christopher Pyne has been appointed the Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science.