April Policies and Advocacy Update
Welcome to our new monthly update, where we link you the latest property and construction policies and advocacy news!
New CEO Appointed to the Property Council of Australia
Charter Hall Managing Director and Group CEO, David Harrison, has been elected as the new National President of the Property Council of Australia. Additionally, Sophie Fallman and Bob Johnston have been elected as National Vice-Presidents. For the first time in history, there’s a 50:50 gender balance on the board in Property Council / BOMA history.
A path to re-energise the CBD following the pandemic.
A joint effort across the board to drive activity back to the CBD has been proposed within a “global playbook” for CBD revival by the Property Council of Australia and EY. Recommendations include “government, employers and landlords work together to facilitate the return of people to the CBD” through a series of measures.
Build-to-rent industry briefing has been held.
A recent tender by the Queensland Government aims to secure Expressions of Interest for developers/investors to partner with the Government to facilitate a Build-to-Rent development on a State-owned site in Brisbane, incorporating a component of Affordable Housing.
Advice sought on the future of international border quarantine arrangements.
Guidance on the future of international border quarantine arrangements has been requested to AHPPC including specific health advice around the implications for quarantining and the reopening of Australia following a successful vaccine rollout.
HomeBuilder Construction Extended
A welcomed extension by the Federal Government for the HomeBuilder grant has been announced. Recipients of the grand will now have eighteen months to commence construction, an entire year longer than previously required. The program has helped the property sector drive Australia’s economic recovery and the extension is a “common sense solution.”