The SGS Canberra quarterly seminar was held in association with the Planning Institute of Australia (Social
Planning Chapter), on 24 August, at the National Press Club. Patrick Fensham (Director, SGS Economics
& Planning) presented a critique of the National Urban Policy comprising his analysis on making it practical,
how it may work, and observed challenges and ideas. Mike Scott (Managing Director, The Treadstone Company
Pty Ltd) spoke on ‘Delivering affordable housing - 5 key lessons from the stimulus and other recent initiatives'.
Stephen Driscoll (Director of Sustainability & Policy Development, Development Director Rouse Hill LANDCOM)
presented on ‘Rouse Hill - a case study in place making and social integration'.
Targeting the Suburban Jobs Program - discusses program guidelines to ensure this new federal program
is targeted effectively. How Tertiary Research Institutions can Help ED Units to Facilitate Economic
Development - a recent article in Economic Development Australia by SGS Director Sasha Lennon;
Details at http://www.sgsep.com.au/news
Terry Rawnsley, SGS Associate Director, presented "Riding the Smart Bus: knowledge workers, agglomeration
economies and public transport use" at the AITPM National Conference 2011 - Linking Communities: Growing
Liveability and Accessibility. Dr Marcus Spiller, SGS Director, spoke at the Economic Development Australia
also presented ‘The rise of the megacity: regional friend or foe?' at the Australian Chambers Business Congress
‘Today, Tomorrow & Beyond', Gold Coast Convention Centre.
Details at http://www.sgsep.com.au/events
This recently released report referenced an SGS report on the benefits of Activity Centres, which was
prepared for the Shopping Centre Council of Australia.
The Productivity Commission report can be read at
http://www.pc.gov.au/projects/inquiry/retail-industry/draft
The SCCA's submission, including SGS's report ‘Activity Centres Policy Benefits' can be read at
http://www.pc.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/109695/sub067.pdf
Florence Lynch BEc, GradDipEc, MEc(Hons), MCom(AppFin), MAppCom(Acc), F Fin has joined the
Melbourne team. Florence is an experienced economist, having worked across Federal and State
Governments, as well as business advisory in economics and accounting, prior to joining SGS. She brings
with her a highly developed knowledge of industry assistance and incentive programs from her policy role
at the Commonwealth Department of Industry, as well as an understanding of broader economic issues from
her macroeconomics role at the Commonwealth Department of Finance. She has also worked as a pricing
analyst in the Victorian Government. Florence has a sound understanding of businesses in a commercial
context from her experience as a senior accountant at Ernst and Young and is a fellow at FINSIA.