The Australian Government has established a Cities Reference Group with a mandate to provide advice on cities policy. 

Assistant Minister for Cities and Digital Transformation Angus Taylor says the group, comprising recognised thought leaders on cities issues in Australia as well as internationally renowned experts, will be a valuable source of expertise and insight.

“Our cities agenda is all about positioning our cities to be the best they can be in the future," he says. 

“I’m looking forward to working with the Reference Group as we continue to refine our cities policy, foster new ideas for innovation and collaboration, and shape the way we measure the performance of our cities." 

The first meeting, chaired by Assistant Minister Taylor, is scheduled for 26 April.

Members include Australian Local Government Association CEO Adrian Beresford-Wylie, Infrastructure Australia CEO Philip Davies, and Smart Cities Council Australia New Zealand Executive Director Adam Beck. (Read Beck's intouch articlesLet's talk smart city standards and their necessary role in movement making, andThe Big Hairy Audacious Goal for street lighting and smart controls.)

For more information, visit https://cities.dpmc.gov.au