Prof. Phillip O’Neill Director

Centre for the Development of Western Sydney, University of Western Sydney, Australia

Abstract

Australia has been a test case for the merits of privatisation of urban infrastructure for the past three decades. This paper draws on successive Australian Research Council projects to ask three important questions. First, what is the public policy rationale for the privatisation of urban infrastructure? Second, what demands are made on the operation of urban infrastructure when their performance coincides with the need for delivery of competitive returns over long time periods? Third, what new management skills and tasks are required of government and its apparatus in order to ensure successful infrastructure rollout and operation? These questions are answered with reference to key Australian infrastructure privatisations in recent times.

Speakers’ Bio

Phillip O’Neill is Director of the Centre for Western Sydney at the University of Western Sydney. This role involves the establishment of a major research—policy interface designed to address planning and development issues in Australia’s most rapidly growing urban region. Phillip is an economic geographer by training. His current research—funded by the Australian Research Council—examines the ways that the demands for returns by private investors intersect with the regulation and operation of major urban infrastructure projects. Phillip is a member of the editorial boards of Environment and Planning A, and Journal of Economic Geography and is the departing editor-in chief of Geographical Research. He is also a fortnightly columnist for the Fairfax press in Australia writing on urban and regional development issues. His articles can be found at @philliponeill.

All are welcome and participation is free with no need to book