Law firm McCullough Robertson (McR) has announced a $1 million pro bono contribution to the community housing sector as part of its centenary celebrations.
The community housing initiative was announced at an event in Brisbane earlier this week, attended by Queensland Minister for Housing and Public Works Sam O’Connor.
McR Chair of Partners Kristan Conlon told the crowd that the firm’s celebration of 100 years of business was a “remarkable milestone” for its people, clients and stakeholders.
“Over the past 100 years, our firm has continued to evolve,” she said.
“We have broadened our practice areas, expanded our presence across Queensland and into New South Wales, and stayed true to the values that have guided each generation of partners and people.”
McR started as a two‑partner practice in 1926 and is now a full‑service commercial firm with 60 partners and more than 450 people across Brisbane and Sydney offices.
Ms Conlon said the firm had a longstanding involvement in the community housing sector and the $1 million in pro bono legal services for the housing sector would help in overcoming the current housing crisis.
“This significant commitment builds on the work already undertaken through our Community Partnership Program,” she said.
“We are looking to work with government, industry leaders and housing providers to design and deliver practical and much needed step change solutions that create meaningful change.”
Minister O’Connor congratulated McR on its “magnificent legacy” and said the firm was truly intertwined with Queensland and its history.
He said the Government was committed to supporting growth in the community housing sector.
There were currently 5970 social and affordable homes under construction or contract and more than 60 percent of those were being delivered by community housing providers.
Nearly 100 proposals other proposals were currently being considered, and these had the capacity to deliver more than 5000 dwellings.
“It’s really about making sure we have secure long-term pipeline,” Minister O’Connor said.
“We’re open to new ideas as well. Something I’m really keen on is seeing if we can get (more) mixed communities – getting projects up that have a mix of social and affordable, and private market dwellings.”
Minister O’Connor said Queensland had the opportunity to go “from behind the pack to leading the pack on community housing”.
In addition to the Brisbane event, Ms Conlon confirmed the firm would host a similar launch event in Sydney in the coming weeks to highlight the firm’s ongoing commitment to supporting the community housing sector across both states and Australia more broadly.
For more on 100 years of McR click here.
