SMC chair takes on more board duties

The inaugural chair of the Super Members Council (SMC) Ann Sherry has taken on another chair position at a government agency organisation, effective today.

Sherry has joined the board of Housing Australia as chair, the government announced. In this role, Sherry will guide Housing Australia to play a central role in delivering the government's $47 billion housing agenda.

Sherry brings extensive leadership experience across government, business and the community sector, as well as a strong record of leading large and complex organisations.

This is a fresh role since his appointment as chair of SMC in July 2024. Currently, Sherry is the co-chair of Climate Leaders Coalition, chair of Queensland Airports, the chancellor of Queensland University of Technology, and non-executive director for National Australia Bank.

Minister for housing, homelessness and cities Clare O'Neil welcomed Sherry's appointment.

"Ann Sherry brings exceptional leadership experience and a strong record of delivering results across some of Australia's most significant organisations," O'Neil said.

"Her appointment... provides a strong foundation and clear blueprint to take Housing Australia forward.

"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 added: "Delivering more houses to address the nation's housing needs is the challenge before Housing Australia and critical for our community."

"I look forward to working with the board and management team to get this important job done."

Meanwhile, Housing Australia said it is looking forward to working with Sherry to improve housing outcomes for Australians.

"Sherry is one of Australia's most respected business and community leaders, with extensive executive and board leadership experience spanning government, business, and the community sector," Housing Australia said.

"Housing Australia thanks Damien Tangey for his leadership as acting chair during a period of substantial change, growth and delivery for the organisation and welcomes his continued contribution as a member of the board."

Additionally, alongside Sherry's appointment, the government also released an independent Capability Assessment of Housing Australia, led by Ken Kanofski, the government said.

The assessment found Housing Australia has strengthened its governance, systems, processes and delivery capability over the past 18 months and placed 13 recommendations to further sharpen its focus on delivery.

"The assessment provides a strong blueprint for Housing Australia's next phase and for Sherry to take forward as its new chair," the government noted.