Movers & Shakers

Greens name new housing spokesperson

The Australian Greens have named South Australian Senator Barbara Pocock as the party’s new spokesperson for housing and homelessness.

Housing remains a key issue for the Greens and the party said the promotion recognises “significant wins in challenging areas that, like housing, require structural reforms, not just tinkering around the edges”.

Senator Pocock will also take on the workplace relations, jobs, and employment portfolio and the Greens confirmed she would continue in her capacity as the party’s spokesperson for finance and the public sector.

Her appointment fills the void created by the departure of former housing spokesperson Max Chandler-Mather, who lost the seat of Griffith at the 2025 federal election.

“I am thrilled to pick up the baton from the hands of Max Chandler-Mather whose tireless work put the 31 per cent of people who rent in our country as well as those who face runaway rents and insecure housing, at the centre of our country’s politics,” Senator Pocock said.

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Purple Circle appoints co-founder as CEO

Purple Circle Financial Services has appointed one of its co-founders to head up the business, with Michael Stephens named new CEO of the boutique mortgage aggregator.

Stephens helped launch the broker-owned aggregation company in 2016 and has played a pivotal role in shaping the organisation’s vision, culture, and operations.

He brings more than 20 years’ experience in both the financial services and property industry to the new role, having previously served as the managing director of Workplace Wing, a Western Australia-based workplace safety specialist.

Prior to Stephens’ appointment, the aggregator had operated without a permanent CEO, relying instead on a chair and two directors for leadership.

Purple Circle co-founder and chairman Greg Pennells said: “Michael has been instrumental in building the foundations of Purple Circle and in helping shape what makes us different.

“His strategic vision and deep care for broker success make him the ideal person to lead Purple Circle into its next phase.”

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Viking Aggregation snags industry stalwart

Viking Aggregation has welcomed Clive Kirkpatrick as its new managing director to oversee its residential and commercial aggregation arms.

Part of Nationwise Group, Viking was originally launched as an asset finance aggregator in 2023 and has since sought to expand its operations into residential and commercial.

Kirkpatrick was previously the general manager of Vow Aggregation – now operating under the Yellow Brick Road Aggregation brand – and the general manager of mortgage broking at St.George Banking Group.

He also co-founded Bula Outsourcing, a Fiji-based outsourcing provider, and currently serves as the deputy chairman of the Finance Brokers Association of Australasia (FBAA).

Gus Kininmont, CEO of Nationwise Group, said: “His deep industry knowledge and proven track record of driving financial performance and operational excellence will be invaluable as we continue to expand our services and strengthen our client relationships.”

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Coalition announces new shadow treasurer

The Coalition has appointed a new shadow treasurer, with federal member for Fairfax, Ted O’Brien, taking the role previously held by Angus Taylor.

O’Brien – who is deputy leader of the Liberal Party of Australia – was previously the shadow minister for climate change and energy and has worked in a range of businesses outside politics, including professional services firm Accenture, where he was responsible for corporate strategy, mergers and acquisitions, and mega deals.

Over his political career, he has held a range of positions, including chair of the House of Representatives select committee on the environment and energy and has served on the economics committee.

He also has an undergraduate degree in economics and politics from the University of Queensland, a master of international business from the University of Melbourne, and a master of economics from the London School of Economics.

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