1. Tell us about your career journey so far.
I’ve built my career across policy, strategy, and advocacy, with a consistent focus on social outcomes and system reform. I started in membership-based organisations such as Tennis Australia and the AFL, where I developed a strong foundation in governance, stakeholder engagement, and organisational leadership, before transitioning into the housing sector. As CEO of National Shelter, I lead work that connects government, the non-profit sector, the private sector and the community to influence housing supply, affordability, and system reform. I’ve also served on several charity and NFP boards, such as the Trish MS Research Foundation, the Property Industry Foundation, Common Ground Queensland, and Collective Leisure, helping with fundraising and growth objectives. These experiences have shaped my approach as a collaborative, solutions-focused leader committed to long-term impact across sectors.
2. What does a typical workday look like for you
No two days are the same, but it’s usually a mix of strategic conversations, stakeholder engagement and translating policy into practical action. I spend a lot of time connecting people and ideas, hopefully in person as a first preference, but usually a lot on the phone, Teams, Zoom, etc., whether that’s with government, community housing providers, service providers, bureaucrats, media, or other peak bodies, while keeping a strong focus on impact and delivery. I travel a lot in this role too, so there is a lot of time in transit to kill, which is great for catching up on phone calls, emails, podcasts or even meditation if I am feeling too overstimulated.
3. What drew you to the sector, and what’s kept you involved?
I’ve always been motivated by fairness and equity, and the role systems play in shaping people’s lives. Housing is foundational to all that; it affects health, employment, education, and wellbeing. What’s kept me involved is the potential for real impact on today’s greatest challenges and the privilege of working alongside people who are deeply committed to better outcomes in these areas. Like many, I have had my own personal struggles at times in my life, and so have some of my family and friends, several of whom have had to rely on different parts of our social safety net. I’ve witnessed lives transformed by good service delivery and connected, well-functioning systems.
4. What’s one of the things you’re most proud of in your career to date?
One of my proudest achievements has been leading the development of a housing displacement monitoring framework linked to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. In 2024, I oversaw a partnership with AHURI and brought together multiple sector partners to deliver a report examining potential displacement impacts across South East Queensland. Beyond commissioning the work, I led a targeted engagement strategy, including media and direct government advocacy, to ensure the findings influenced policy discussions ahead of the State Election. The report is now delivered annually, creating an ongoing evidence base and a practical mechanism to inform housing policy reform and legacy planning, helping ensure the benefits of the Games are shared more equitably.
5. What’s a challenge you’ve overcome?
Early in my time in the sector, I was often perceived as having a particular political leaning. Interestingly, a few years later, that perception shifted almost entirely in the opposite direction. The challenge has been to remain genuinely politically agnostic while building trust across all sides. I’ve done that by focusing on evidence, balanced advocacy, consistent actions, and transparent engagement, demonstrating integrity in how we work, regardless of the politics of the day or differing viewpoints.
6. What tips or insights do you have for someone who’s interested in working for a peak body?
Be curious about systems, not just programs and initiatives. Invest in building strong relationships from the outset, listen deeply to your members and stakeholders, whether you agree or not, and be able to translate complexity into clear messages. But the number one is follow-up. Be known for doing what you said you were going to do, follow up on meetings, actions, workshops, leads, inquiries – be known for it, and your credibility and integrity will grow.
7. What’s it like leading an organisation with such a broad and important focus?
It’s both challenging and energising. The breadth in housing means you’re constantly balancing different priorities, but it also gives you a unique platform to connect the dots and advocate for solutions that work across the whole system. Because we are focused on a healthy housing system, one day can be about social housing, another on planning, the next on infrastructure, and the list goes on. That’s a blessing and a curse. Finding points of convergence between problem – policy –and politics is the sweet spot where progress occurs.
8. How do you stay resilient in the face of a continually shifting landscape?
By staying anchored in purpose. Progress in this space is rarely linear, so it’s important to celebrate incremental wins and maintain a long-term perspective. The recent tax reform, for which Shelter has been a huge advocate, has taken 15 years to get over the line.
9. What trends, topics, or initiatives do you think aren’t getting the attention they deserve?
The role of permanent Supportive Housing, but this is slowly starting to shift. We often focus on supply – which is critical – but without the right mix of support, we won’t achieve lasting outcomes for people with the most complex needs.
10. What’s your top reading/listening/watching/doing recommendations?
- Reading: Housing Policy in Australia: A Case for System Reform. The 2025 new edition by Pawson, Milligan, and Yates.
- Listening: UCLA Housing Voice is a podcast hosted by UCLA Lewis Centre’s Shane Phillips and is a must-listen, as is Founders by David Senra.
- Watching: The Four Seasons is something my wife and I have had on late at night, when the kids go to bed. Very funny.
- Doing: Make time for yourself, no matter how busy life is. I have a busy job, lots of travel, three kids under the age of five, but I still go to the gym every night to clear my mind, read and meditate when I can. I probably need to make more time for sleep, though!
