Parliament Friends reconvenes urban design group

The Parliamentary Friends for Australian Urban Design reconvened today at Parliament House, uniting political and professional leaders to champion the value of architecture and design in shaping Australia’s built environment.

Hosted in the Speaker’s Courtyard on the 5th of November, the event brought together the group’s Co-Chairs — Elizabeth Watson-Brown MP, Cameron Caldwell MP and Lisa Chesters MP — along with the Speaker of the House, the Hon Milton Dick MP and the Presidents of the three peak bodies:

Adam Haddow, President, Australian Institute of Architects
Heath Gledhill, President, Australian Institute of Landscape Architects
Emma Riley, President, Planning Institute of Australia

Together, the Ministers, Presidents and Speaker addressed attendees to promote the essential role of good design and planning in delivering more sustainable, equitable and resilient Australian communities.

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.”

The three peak bodies announced their shared organisational priorities for federal action — areas where national leadership can deliver meaningful change:

A Stronger National Urban Policy – Championing a coordinated, spatially informed national vision for cities, regions and communities.
Leadership in Density Done Well – Supporting more diverse, affordable and sustainable housing through design excellence.
Investment in Sustainable, Well-Designed Communities – Driving federal leadership and place-based investment to create climate-resilient, liveable communities.

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Looking ahead, the Parliamentary Friends for Australian Urban Design will host a series of events in 2026 to deepen the conversation on these priorities:

March – Australian Urban Design Awards at Parliament House: Celebrating national award winners and the contribution of good design to vibrant, resilient communities.
July – Density Done Well: Exploring case studies that demonstrate how high-quality density supports affordability, diversity, equity and sustainability.
November – Climate Resilience & Design: Examining design-led responses to climate change and pathways to net zero across precincts, housing and infrastructure.

“Design excellence and thoughtful planning are critical to building cities that serve the needs of people and the planet,” said Adam Haddow, President of the Australian Institute of Architects. “The reconvening of the Parliamentary Friends for Australian Urban Design reflects a growing recognition that good design is a national priority, not just a local one.”

Members of the Parliamentary Friends for Australian Urban Design (48th Parliament)