Simon Newport has been named the new Chief Executive of the NSW Land and Housing Corporation, leading the team responsible for the largest housing portfolio in Australia, comprising some 125,000 property assets worth more than $51 billion.
NSW Department of Planning and Environment Secretary Mick Cassel said Mr Newport was an experienced executive with more than 30 years in the construction, finance and housing industries, most recently as Acting Chief Executive at the Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO).
“The NSW Land and Housing Corporation has a mandate to grow and manage the largest social housing portfolio in Australia, and to be an industry leader in providing social housing that is well designed and located, affordable, safe, and well maintained,” Mr Cassel said.
“LAHC is innovating housing to deliver more keys in doors for people in need, but housing is more just than having a roof over people’s heads – it’s also about safe and appropriate accommodation close to transport, shops and local services, and community support.
“I’m delighted we’ve secured a leader with Simon’s capability, experience, and passion for social housing, demonstrated most recently where he led AHO’s economic stimulus and recovery programs over the past 18 months, delivering more homes, upgrades and jobs for the Aboriginal community in NSW.
“With Simon at the helm, the AHO recently secured more than $200 million of additional Budget investment in Aboriginal housing and support services.”
Mr Cassel said LAHC, including supporting teacher and police housing, had been allocated more than $1.3 billion over the past 2 years to invest in new and upgraded housing - to respond to COVID-19, floods, and housing needs across the State.
“This funding is delivering 2,295 social homes, over 28,000 upgraded homes through capital maintenance, new and refurbished key worker homes in remote and regional areas, 1,800 private market homes, and 1,000 vacant land lots.
“I also want to acknowledge the work of Deb Brill who, from late December 2021, has acted in the role of Chief Executive at LAHC. Deb has been integral in shaping the LAHC business, working with me to reposition LAHC as an innovative agency. Deb’s knowledge and passion for social housing are well known and highly respected across the sector,” he said.
Mr Newport said he was thrilled to join LAHC at such a critical time for the agency.
“I’m excited to work with a great team at LAHC to continue to ensure the delivery of the right types of housing, at the right time, in the right places for people in need across NSW.
“With housing pressures front of mind right across Australia, the quality and innovation of our maintenance, delivery, policy and partnership work remains vital to ensure safe and secure housing for people and families in need,” he said.
Simon Newport will commence in the role of Chief Executive, Land and Housing Corporation, on 15 August.