This document introduces the National Urban Policy — a long-term framework to guide policy development and public and private investment in cities. It outlines the Australian Government's objectives and directions for cities over coming decades.

Under the National Urban Policy the government's intention is to improve the productivity, sustainability and liveability of major urban centres. The report discusses key future challenges, the complexity and scale of which mean that a national approach to cities must be taken.

The report canvasses policy options to create more sustainable, liveable and productive cities and sets out a summary action plan for achieving its goals for urban areas.