Home David Kalisch appointed Chair of AHURI Board BACK TO news Share news David Kalisch appointed Chair of AHURI Board AHURI is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr David Kalisch, former head of the Australian Bureau of Statistics, as new Board Chair. 01 Sep 2026 The Australian Government has appointed economist Mr David Kalisch as the new Independent Chairperson of the AHURI Board for a 4-year period. Mr Kalisch brings a wealth of expertise and experience in organisational leadership and transformation, data governance and data use, labour market analysis, social welfare and health policy. He has worked across government and academia, including as Agency Head of the Australian Bureau of Statistics and CEO of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, and is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Canberra. Mr Kalisch has also served as Commissioner at the Productivity Commission, consultant at the OECD Social Policy Division and board member of the Australian Electoral Commission. Announcing the news today, AHURI Managing Director (Acting) Dr Tom Alves said, ‘I am delighted to welcome David Kalisch as AHURI’s new Board Chair. ‘David brings to the Board significant experience in leading the production of quality evidence and insights, and interest in ensuring research critically assesses and informs public policy,' Dr Alves said. ‘We look forward to working with David to strengthen Australia’s evidence base for effective housing, homelessness and urban policy and practice.’
