Austin is an economist with a master’s in urban planning and over twenty five years experience in strategic planning, economic and market research in both the public and private sectors. He joined the City of Melbourne in 1995 to establish the Research Branch which today is a team of 12 staff responsible for coordinating research across the Council.

The Research Branch has following functions: in-house research, partnering with other branches to deliver projects; management and coordination to ensure research is sustainable, high quality and cost effective; consulting to provide information and advice internally and externally; the “Knowledge Melbourne” function enable greater access to the research/knowledge sector, brokering research partnerships based on Council’s needs and priorities; this later function also involves showcasing the city’s knowledge strengths and building networks to increase collaboration.

Austin understands the information needs of planners, policy and decision-makers and how to ensure Council’s research resources deliver the best outcomes. He is passionate about improving the availability and consistency of City information, across all levels of government, academia and the private sector. View Austin's Local Government Research Network profile and publications here (must be logged in).