City of Sydney’s former Safe City Manager Trina Jones will become NSW’s first Rental Commissioner.

In her new role Ms Jones will work with the government to design and put in place changes to make the rental market fairer and more modern, Premier Chris Minns said.

“The government’s appointment of NSW’s first Rental Commissioner is an important step to addressing some of the issues facing renters,” Mr Minns said in a statement.

As NSW Rental Commissioner Ms Jones will work with the government on a range of reforms to end no-ground evictions, introduce a portable bonds scheme, encourage longer term rental agreements and boost information and privacy safeguards for renters.

She’ll also be charged with investigating rental affordability and supply, as well as developing  educational resources and monitoring existing tenancy laws.

Ms Jone said in taking on the role of Rental Commissioner she hoped to amplify the voice of renters and strengthen their rights.

“I look forward to working closely and productively with government, industry, renters and owners across our state as we collaboratively search for solutions to our housing challenges,” Ms Jones said.

As well as her job with City of Sydney, which involved leading initiatives to support social housing tenants, Ms Jones has served as CEO of Homelessness NSW and deputy Chair of Homelessness Australia.

Victorian government’s digital transformation chief joins Australia Post

Digital Victoria’s chief has joined Australia Post as executive general manager of digital technology and data.

Michael McNamara was appointed CEO of Victoria’s digital transformation agency in in 2021 and previously served as deputy CEO at Services Australia.

Before joining the public sector, he worked in the private sector assisting banking and energy providers to build and modernise digital infrastructure.

Mr McNamara was ranked in the top 10 in the CIO50 awards for senior technology and digital executives in 2021 for his work on government services including Centrelink and Medicare during COVID-19 lockdowns.

Last week, Australia Post announced it had appointed experienced e-commerce executive Jodie Auster to its board.

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