A Royal Commission into the state of Australian cities

Presented by Oculus.

While Australian cities are ranked among the most liveable in the world, increasing evidence suggests they may be headed for crisis in coming decades without major structural shifts in policy, planning and governance. In the context of recent climate and biodiversity emergency declarations, infrastructure implementation failing to keep up with population growth and the unfolding crisis in the construction industry, is it time for a national Royal Commission into the state of Australian cities?

Part theatre, part panel discussion, this hypothetical Royal Commission brings together a range of built environment professionals, policy makers and informed commentators (from across the political spectrum) for a lively debate into the most pressing issues facing the planning of our cities.

Counsel Assisting

• Cassie Serpell, Barrister, Victorian Bar

Expert Witnesses

• Cassandra Chilton, Landscape Architect and Artist
• Joan Ko, Sustainability Leader, Arup Australasia
• Sarah Lynn Rees, Palawa woman, Graduate of Architecture at Jackson Clements Burrows
• Peter Seamer, Author of Breaking Point: The Future of Australian Cities and Former CEO of the Victorian Planning Authority

This event is part of Melbourne Design Week 2020, an initiative of the Victorian Government in collaboration with the NGV.