Housing Australia announces new chair

In her new role, Sherry will lead the peak body through its next phase as it takes on a key role in delivering the government’s $47 billion housing agenda.

Sherry brings extensive leadership experience across government, business and the community sector, currently serving as chancellor of Queensland University of Technology, chair of United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and a non-executive director of National Australia Bank.

Alongside Sherry’s appointment, the government released an Independent Capability Assessment of Housing Australia.

The assessment found that over the previous 18 months, Housing Australia has strengthened its governance, systems, processes, and delivery capability.

Additionally, the assessment provides a blueprint for the organisation’s next phase, as it continues to deliver parts of the government’s housing agenda, including the Help to Buy, Housing Australia Future Fund and the five per cent deposit scheme.

Minister for housing, homelessness, and cities, Clare O’Neil, said Sherry’s leadership experience would strengthen the organisation’s ability to deliver on its objectives.

“Her appointment, together with the Independent Capability Assessment released today, provides a strong foundation and clear blueprint to take Housing Australia forward,” O’Neil said.

“Housing Australia has a critical job ahead – delivering tens of thousands of homes and helping more Australians into home ownership – and we are making sure it has the leadership and capability to get that job done.”

Sherry said that as the government commits to delivering more than 55,000 social and affordable homes, and with tens of thousands planned over the next three years, the organisation’s role would become even more important.

“Delivering more houses to address the nation’s housing needs is the challenge before Housing Australia and critical for our community,” Sherry said.