Media Release by The Hon Tanya Pibersek MP

New Housing Institute Chair announced

The Australian Government today announced that Rod Fehring will be the new chair of the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI).

AHURI is a national research organisation, specialising in policy relevant housing and urban research. It was established in 2000 and manages a multi-million dollar research program for the Australian government and all State and Territory governments.

Tanya Plibersek, congratulated Mr Fehring, who is also the Lend Lease Ventures Chief Executive, on his appointment.

“This is a crucial time for the housing sector and I congratulate Mr Fehring on his appointment to the national research organisation,” Ms Plibersek said.

“Mr Fehring’s experience and credentials are an impressive addition to AHURI and I am confident that under his leadership the Institute will flourish in its important role delivering evidence-based policy advice in this critical area of public policy.

“This appointment sends a positive signal that we’re keen to hear from the private sector and Mr Fehring will undoubtedly bring to the table a wealth of knowledge when it comes to finding innovative solutions to issues facing housing across the board.”

Mr Fehring has spent the past 25 years working in the Australian property sector, including nearly 6 years as Chief Executive of Delfin Lend Lease and head of Lend Lease Communities in the Asia Pacific region.

“The Australian housing market is undergoing significant change driven by the interplay of globalisation, restructuring capital markets and demography,” Mr Fehring said.

“AHURI is well positioned to provide timely and well targeted research to better explain these changes and to better inform public and private decision making. I look forward to helping AHURI contribute effectively to the knowledge base needed to respond to Australia’s housing challenge.”

Mr Fehring’s qualifications include a Bachelor of Applied Science and Graduate Diplomas in both Urban and Regional Planning and Sports Administration (Facilities), while he has also completed the Advanced Management Program at Wharton Business School, Philadelphia, USA. In addition, Mr Fehring is a member of the Planning Institute of Australia and was Trustee of the Melbourne Cricket Ground Trust, which concluded in December 2007.