Reflections on Dr Richard Harris at Property Congress 23 Sep 2019 - Brian Wightman Richard ‘Harry’ Harris exits stage left. The audience hold their applause until he is out of sight. Time to change the conversation around density 11 Jun 2019 - Sandra Brewer It’s time we talked about density. Or more to the point, it’s time we had a different conversation about density.

Three job creating ideas for WA's GST 14 Nov 2018 - Sandra Brewer Western Australians have been working hard for over a decade. We’ve been a net contributor to the Australian economy. Many of us feel we’ve been doing the lifting while the other states have been doing the leaning. Powerful people magnets 14 Nov 2018 - Ken Morrison For a country that has been built on growth, some of Australia’s political leaders seem to be increasingly ambivalent about the concept. Property policy changes will hit everyday Aussies where they live 7 Nov 2018 - Ken Morrison Property investors are mostly everyday Australians, spread across the community. Land tax grab a burden for all 31 Oct 2018 - Chris Mountford Many Townsville investors who own buildings or land assets in the region will have recently received their land tax notices. Fun, flexibility, freedom - a new way for Victorians to live 27 Sep 2018 - Property Council Lessons from east coast: Foreign buyer surcharge to housing affordability and jobs 17 Sep 2018 - Sandra Brewer Property Council of Australia WA Executive Director Sandra Brewer caught up with Cbus Property Group Chief Executive Officer Adrian Pozzo at the 2018 Property Congress in Darwin, to talk about the impact of the foreign buyer surcharge on th Charging foreign owners extra for property will cost Western Australian jobs 17 Sep 2018 - Sandra Brewer They say, “money makes the world go ‘round” and although it may seem crass and crude, it’s quite true. Incentivising Townsville’s economic development 12 Sep 2018 - Chris Mountford State Government, City Council and private sector decisionmakers are all united in their commitment to the vision of developing Townsville’s Waterfront. An expanded and vibrant CBD will create jobs, increase amenity and act as an engine roo Cottesloe foreshore highlights need for planning reform 7 Sep 2018 - Sandra Brewer, WA Executive Director Think of spectacular beachside locales in Australia: Manly, Byron Bay and our very own Bunker Bay. What do they have in common? Not portaloos – that’s for certain. Sunshine Coast Lunch 22 Aug 2018 - Property Council of Australia The second Property Council Sunshine Coast Lunch for the year, held at the Innovation Centre on Friday 10 August, explored the challenge of maintaining long term housing affordability in the face of an expected population boom over the next The Property Puzzle - Episode Two 22 Aug 2018 - Property Council of Australia ‘The Community Never Knew What to Expect of Greater Springfield’ is the Property Puzzle’s latest episode, featuring exclusive development insights and career advice from Springfield City Group’s Managing Director, Raynuha Sinnathamby. Actions come to fruition 22 Aug 2018 - Chris Mountford Over the last few weeks the Queensland Parliament has gone through the annual Budget Estimates hearings that are supposed to flesh out some of the detail of the programs set to be delivered across the financial year. Combustible Cladding Update 22 Aug 2018 - Property Council of Australia The Queensland Government has launched a new website providing further information on the new obligations on owners of private and local government buildings to undertake a mandatory ‘combustible cladding checklist’. Yeronga TAFE PDA 22 Aug 2018 - Property Council of Australia Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) declared the former Yeronga TAFE site a Priority Development Area (PDA) on the 10 August 2018. Time to be a little bold 8 Aug 2018 - Ken Morrison Townsville in the ‘metropolitan century’ 26 Jul 2018 - Chris Mountford Over the next 25 years, the population of the North Queensland region is expected to grow to 340,000 people – a remarkable 40 per cent increase. Learning from the New York story 25 Jul 2018 - Ken Morrison There’s an incredible energy and excitement to a world city which can be both exhilarating and exhausting. Planning for good growth 18 Jul 2018 - Ken Morrison The population debate has come back on to the political and media agenda in the lead-up to the ‘Super Saturday’ by-elections. Committing to diversity and inclusion 11 Jul 2018 - Kathy Mac Dermott Diversity among our workforce and industry leadership means we can benefit from the insight, experience and capability of the whole community. The road to zero carbon 4 Jul 2018 - Ken Morrison Governments around the world have committed to the Paris Agreement. For Australia this effectively means transitioning to a zero carbon economy by 2050. Earning and retaining our social license 27 Jun 2018 - Ken Morrison This week I had the opportunity to attend the Crawford Leadership Forum at the ANU in Canberra, listening to leaders from across business, academia and government on the issues and trends which are creating new challenges and opportunities Places for people 20 Jun 2018 - Ken Morrison Whether it’s a new family home or an opera house, our industry designs, builds and manages physical assets which have a profound impact on people’s lives beyond their built form. Innovation acceleration 13 Jun 2018 - Ken Morrison It can be invigorating to take a step back from the day-to-day demands of operating a business or looking after your customers to reflect on the game-changing trends shaping our industry. Doing the hard yards in reform 6 Jun 2018 - Ken Morrison You often hear the lament that Australia seems to have lost its appetite for the big picture, nation-building reforms of previous decades. Honouring our industry trailblazers 30 May 2018 - Ken Morrison In 1932 the premier of New South Wales, Jack Lang, opened the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Australia’s population was around six and a half million people. Great leaders and great cities 23 May 2018 - Ken Morrison Our industry is fortunate to have some truly great leaders, past and present, who have left a legacy for generations of Australians through the places and communities they have created. Creating great Australian cities 16 May 2018 - Ken Morrison The world is embarking on a ‘metropolitan century’ and Australia is no different. Taxes and Budgets 2 May 2018 - Ken Morrison We all have a ‘love/hate’ relationship with tax. We understand that our taxes pay for our roads, police, schools, defence, a social safety net and lay the foundations for a prosperous economy and a fair society. Plan now to avoid housing shortages in next boom 30 Apr 2018 - Lino Iacomella It sounds strange now to write about housing shortages in WA but two big announcements this week compel us to do just that. Let’s not undermine our course on growth 30 Apr 2018 - Jane Fitzgerald Sydney is growing just as it has always grown. To plan and make the best from this growth we need to give the Greater Sydney Commission Property tax hikes will hit economy hard 28 Apr 2018 - Chris Mountford The state government's planned property tax increases, due to come into effect on July 1, risk wiping the state off the global investment map. The power of memory and places 24 Apr 2018 - Kathy Mac Dermott If I asked you about some of your earliest memories of childhood, I expect you would tell me mostly about people and places. Launching a new strategy 18 Apr 2018 - Ken Morrison Today we are launching our three-year Strategy. It’s a Strategy that has been developed over seven months, with considerable input from our board, division councils, corporate leaders and staff. Precision matters 11 Apr 2018 - Ken Morrison In our industry, precision matters. Numbers, calculations and measurements are the foundation of what we do. Build-to-rent projects can ease our housing crisis 10 Apr 2018 - Mike Zorbas Victoria is growing, and fast — by 12,000 people a month. That’s 35,000 more people a year than NSW. And Melbourne is growing faster than any other Australian city. Change and continued effort 21 Mar 2018 - Ken Morrison The work of engaging, consulting, driving new ideas, and participating in the debates that shape communities is something that is about continual effort. Sometimes change is fast, other times slow, but mostly, change is the result of conti A multitude of voices 14 Mar 2018 - Ken Morrison Our industry is not shaped by having unanimity in views. Rather, we grow, innovate and change by hearing alternate views. A big deal 8 Mar 2018 - Ken Morrison The Property Council has championed the idea of city deals because evidence from the UK and other countries show they work. They are a way of bringing disparate governments – and their often more disparate departments – together to align on A long term game-plan for our cities 7 Mar 2018 - Ken Morrison It was in 1889 in the little town of Tenterfield that Henry Parkes had Australia’s best idea: instead of six colonies, why don’t we become one country and solve our problems together? Hobart 2030 5 Mar 2018 - Brian Wightman Right now, Hobart enjoys a wonderful reputation. It is the flavour. Misdiagnosing our cities 28 Feb 2018 - Ken Morrison The one thing worse than not getting an ailment treated, is getting it mistreated. Misdiagnosis can make problems worse. Over the past week there has been plenty of debate about the growth of our cities. The eighth wonder of the world 21 Feb 2018 - Ken Morrison Albert Einstein is reported to have said, “Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it ... he who doesn't ... pays it.” Energising Communities 14 Feb 2018 - Ken Morrison Every organisation needs to find its fountain of good ideas. Listening to our members 7 Feb 2018 - Ken Morrison Have you ever used an etymological dictionary? It will tell you the original meaning of a word, where it has come from, and how it has evolved. Five steps to prosperity 1 Feb 2018 - Property Council of Australia The state election presents an opportunity to ensure that the major parties continue to have strong economic policies and a will to implement them. Creating for Generations 31 Jan 2018 - Ken Morrison When you look at the cranes, bulldozers and hi-vis vests around our cities at the moment, it is so apparent that our industry is a driver of the growth we are now seeing across the economy. Supply key for housing affordability not new taxes 30 Jan 2018 - Brian Wightman The property industry in Tasmania pays $927 million dollars in taxes annually, $869 million in wages, creates almost 14,000 direct jobs, and contributes $2 billion in Gross State Product. In the engine room of Australia's growth 24 Jan 2018 - Ken Morrison Our industry is in a good place. While construction peaked in many areas in 2017, the outlook is still remarkably strong. Starting the year with confidence 17 Jan 2018 - Ken Morrison The property industry starts 2018 with confidence. The ANZ/Property Council Survey released last week highlighted the fact that across Australia our industry has a pipeline of work covering a range of sectors. What WA property owners and investors are looking for in 2018 3 Jan 2018 - Lino Iacomella For good reason WA property owners and investors have high expectations in 2018 after a run of lean years.

Approaching 2018 with confidence 20 Dec 2017 - Ken Morrison 2017 is passing before our eyes. Another year of surprises and twists and turns is coming to an end – and for most of us, we are in good shape. Property tax hikes will hurt all Queenslanders 19 Dec 2017 - Chris Mountford Nothing is certain except death and taxes. Giving back to the community 13 Dec 2017 - Ken Morrison The finish line of 2017 is in sight! In past weeks, over 6,000 people have attended Property Council Christmas events around Australia. The return of wooden escalators 6 Dec 2017 - Ken Morrison When you live in a big city, it takes a lot to be surprised – and even more to be truly delighted. Tuning in to the community's voice 29 Nov 2017 - Ken Morrison All bar the final counting, the Queensland election is over. The government is now readying for its second term which includes its eleventh hour announcement that it will increase land tax and foreign investment taxes. The economic case aga Planning decisions and good governance 22 Nov 2017 - Ken Morrison Making planning decisions is a complicated business. Shake-up transport planning to achieve policy ‘hattrick’ 21 Nov 2017 - Lino Iacomella ​Fixing WA’s planning and local government laws alone will not be enough to achieve the level of community support the state is seeking for its ambitious and necessary growth plans. WA’s omnipotent transport agencies and systems also need Creating competitive advantage 15 Nov 2017 - Ken Morrison Almost every business school in the world teaches the work of Harvard Professor Michael Porter. Housing for every stage of life 8 Nov 2017 - Ken Morrison Our housing should reflect where we are on our life’s journey – and our industry is great at developing options for every stage of life. Our blueprint for jobs and communities 1 Nov 2017 - Ken Morrison The starter’s gun has now been fired for the Queensland election. It marks the start of an election season, with the Queensland poll on 25 November, the crucial New England by-election on 2 December, the South Australian election on 17 Marc A productivity boost for our cities 25 Oct 2017 - Ken Morison It’s not an understatement to say, our cities are the biggest drivers of growth and collaboration in the country. We need to get used to Sydney being a global city 19 Oct 2017 - Jane Fitzgerald In 50 years’ time in Sydney we will live closer, share more, move differently and will have changed some of our entrenched cultural biases Bringing the community with us 18 Oct 2017 - Ken Morrison Today 740 people from across the industry are travelling to Cairns for The Property Congress. This year’s Congress is our 40th – and our biggest yet. A lesson noticed nationwide 11 Oct 2017 - Ken Morrison There are newspaper articles that become fish’n’chips wrapping and there are newspaper articles that change the course of cities. Inspired by change 4 Oct 2017 - Kathy Mac Dermott “Change is the law of life,” said John F. Kennedy. By its very nature, it can’t be ignored. It forces a response from all of us. Property Sector Can Only Be Defined By It's People 1 Oct 2017 - Adina Cirson This week I was asked about what I thought of the ‘prevailing culture’ of the ACT Property Sector – the implication of course being that there was something wrong with it. Keeping the public's confidence 27 Sep 2017 - Ken Morrison We are currently living in what can euphemistically be called an ‘issues-rich environment’. Voicing our concerns 20 Sep 2017 - Ken Morrison The industry was alarmed by last week’s surprise announcement that the Federal Government intends to ban managed investment trusts from investing in residential property (except for affordable housing). Co-operative approach needed on flammable cladding problem 14 Sep 2017 - Ken Morrison Australians don’t often think of fire standards. That’s mainly because our standards are so high, and disasters are so rare. We’ve always understood that people are more important than an extra buck — and if we want to promote the benefits R U OK? 13 Sep 2017 - Ken Morrison Most weeks I write about the things that our industry is getting right. Today, I want to write about something we are getting wrong. It’s mental health. Every second day, our industry loses a worker to suicide. Let that sink in: Every. S Build to rent a double affordability dividend 12 Sep 2017 - Ken Morrison There has been a somewhat "glass half empty" perspective on build to rent – the potential new asset class that has the property industry sharpening its pencils and is turning heads in governments. But let's cast a more positive eye over thi Growth is the Word in WA Budget 11 Sep 2017 - Lino Iacomella It was telling that the Treasurer’s Budget speech this year used the word ‘growth’ 32 times and on all but eight occasions, it was used to describe the urgent need to drive economic prosperity in WA. This was a good start because growth is Taking a safety-first approach 6 Sep 2017 - Ken Morrison The fire safety of building products has been back in the public eye again this week, with the ABC’s Four Corners program airing a story on the subject on Monday night. Shared land agenda key to Perth City progress 4 Sep 2017 - Property Council When 350 people from all walks of life got together recently to discuss ideas to improve the Perth city centre it was land and its various uses and controls that was common in the top ideas. Getting housing and jobs back into kilter 30 Aug 2017 - Ken Morrison In every city of Australia, housing affordability means something different. WA property recovery on track with bumps on the way 23 Aug 2017 - Property Council of Australia The WA property sector is on track for a recovery but it looks like it will take a little longer to fully materialise according to the latest survey of business confidence in the industry. Growth matters for 21st century jobs 21 Aug 2017 - Lino Iacomella With the prospect of robotics and automation transforming work it was interesting to see a report recently comparing which Australian cities are best prepared for the changes ahead. And guess which cities are doing better, the fastest grow Pathway to security 16 Aug 2017 - Ken Morrison Buying a home is not merely a rational decision, though we all weigh up the pros and cons of possible purchases. Buying a home is something deeply personal and emotional. Keep WA growing 9 Aug 2017 - Ken Morrison Every city and region faces its challenges – our diversified economy means that it is rare for our states to be in sync with each other. Competition, collaboration and disruption 2 Aug 2017 - Ken Morrison It’s been a busy fortnight – with over 2,800 people attending Property Council events and another 1,700 people booked in to attend our Australian Office Market Report events tomorrow. Designing female-friendly cities 19 Jul 2017 - Ken Morrison The highest compliment that can be made about a suburb or a community is that it’s ‘a great place to raise a family’. Preparing for tomorrow 12 Jul 2017 - Glenn Byres In our daily lives, we all try to be on time. It’s not just polite, it’s the easier way to get things done. But in our professional lives, our defining challenge, is to be ahead of our time. The bad marriage that risks pushing up house prices 11 Jul 2017 - Jane Fitzgerald NSW has a relationship problem and it's not one that is going to resolve itself through therapy, long walks on the beach or candle-lit dinners. It's a relationship problem between our state government and local councils. It's a long-term re A creating and creative industry 5 Jul 2017 - Kathy Mac Dermott We often talk about “the property industry” as if there was one amorphous group of people which make up our industry. The truth is, it’s not. Do No Harm 4 Jul 2017 - Andrew Fletcher As the newly elected Premier of NSW, Gladys Berejiklian stamped housing affordability as her highest priority and identified increased housing supply as the key. Since then, the government has acted on several fronts, including $720 million A snapshot of Australia 28 Jun 2017 - Ken Morrison If there is a Christmas day for demographers and statisticians, it’s the day that the census data is released. Seven key shifts in the retirement living sector 26 Jun 2017 - Property Council of Australia Australians are changing how they retire. But rather than a seismic shift (such as Uber’s influence on the transport industry) the disruptions to retirement living are more complex, write the team at Plus Architecture. The Grenfell Fire 21 Jun 2017 - Ken Morrison The Grenfell Tower fire in the UK has sent a shudder through Australia’s property industry. The ground has been set 14 Jun 2017 - Ken Morrison We live in a world of the instant: constant email, fast-paced news, instant gratification, and demands met immediately. The Gordian knot 7 Jun 2017 - Ken Morrison Later this week, a vital report about the future of Australia’s electricity market will be released. Stick to the Plan 5 Jun 2017 - Property Council of Australia The state member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp MP, decreed last week that any new masterplan for 63-hectares of land at Broadmeadow should exclude new housing. In doing so, he chose to bypass the Hunter Regional Plan 2036 and Labor’s pledg More diversity will solve Perth’s emerging housing crisis 1 Jun 2017 - Property Council of Australia Sydney’s housing crisis is getting all the headlines but there is a housing crisis emerging in Perth with affordability that is different to Sydney, however the solution is the same – fix the supply of new housing Debunking the myths about foreign investment 31 May 2017 - Ken Morrison For the last two days, our industry has been speaking with political leaders as part of the annual Property Leaders’ Summit in Canberra. Bringing leaders together 24 May 2017 - Ken Morrison Next week the Property Council takes the industry’s leaders to Parliament House in Canberra. Helping empty nesters 17 May 2017 - Ken Morrison For some, the old family house provides solace and memories of the family from years past, but for others, the big house is kept because any benefits from downsizing are exceeded by the costs. The Budget and housing 11 May 2017 - Ken Morrison Like the dreamboat you met at the party last night, sometimes budgets can look a bit cracked in the cold light of day. A truly creative industry 3 May 2017 - Ken Morrison On Friday night over 1,000 people from across the industry will gather for the annual Innovation and Excellence Awards Gala Dinner at Sydney’s International Convention Centre. Enabling Housing Affordability 27 Apr 2017 - Property Council of Australia New policy settings to ease the housing affordability crisis will be at the heart of Commonwealth and NSW budgets to be handed down in the coming weeks. Beating them both to the punch last month was Federal Labor, with the release of their Buildings that touch the soul 26 Apr 2017 - Glenn Byres Throughout time, the great buildings of the world have shared one thing in common. They have a capacity to touch the soul. Family homes and nest eggs 19 Apr 2017 - Property Australia While national home ownerships are off their peak, more than two-thirds of all adult Australians own their own home or are paying off their own home. Serving you better 12 Apr 2017 - Kathy Mac Dermott Our members build the houses, schools, shopping centres, hospitals and infrastructure that keeps the country growing and people moving. Fresh approach essential for TasWater woes 31 Mar 2017 - Brian Wightman In 2015 there were more than 900, yes that's right, 900 spills of raw effluent leaching into the Tamar River Estuary from the Margaret Street Pump Station. Unacceptable you may say? Well a marked improvement on 1200 "incidents" a year earl The skyscraper of trees 29 Mar 2017 - Ken Morrison I don’t know if you have ever seen a redwood tree. The redwoods are known as the ‘skyscraper of trees’ because they can grow to up to 120 meters in height. They are so broad that roads have been (horrifically!) carved through them – and the Do the numbers stack up? 23 Mar 2017 - Ken Morrison This week marks the eighty fifth anniversary of the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Surprisingly, had we applied today’s infrastructure metrics it would not have been built. The Perils of Populism 21 Mar 2017 - Property Council of Australia Brexit and Trump were no accident. Both campaigns invested heavily in “Big Data” to predict human behaviour. Their leaders then used populist tactics to convince voters they should reject new-age politics and embrace protectionism. Welcome, dangerous and interesting ideas 15 Mar 2017 - Ken Morrison Have you ever been at one of those planning days when the moderator says “there is no such thing as a bad idea”? Well, how quickly things change 14 Mar 2017 - Property Council of Australia In the space of a few weeks, the state now has both major political parties committed to water and sewerage reform. Big data, sustainability and our cities 8 Mar 2017 - Ken Morrison For the last two days I have been attending our annual Green Cities conference which we run in partnership with the Green Building Council of Australia. Learning from the Brits 1 Mar 2017 - Ken Morrison Australians don’t like to think that we have much in common with ‘the Poms’. But they are facing similar challenges when it comes to housing affordability, increasing housing supply and encouraging greater institutional investment in housin Nine dangerous words 22 Feb 2017 - Ken Morrison Ronald Reagan once said that the nine most dangerous words in the English language were: I’m from the government and I’m here to help. Regional Diversity 22 Feb 2017 - Andrew Fletcher The property sector is Australia’s biggest industry and employs 1.1 million Australians. Across the Hunter, it contributes $3.6 billion to economic growth, pays $1.4 billion in wages and generates 23,190 jobs. Growth is never easy 15 Feb 2017 - Ken Morrison In our families, careers and businesses, growth is never easy. Growth brings new challenges. It can be exhilarating and occasionally painful, and requires us to expand our capabilities. And once we have grown, it is enormously satisfying as Small budget hit for big affordability gain 14 Feb 2017 - Property Council of Australia A lack of housing diversity is undermining attempts to make housing more affordable and new initiatives are needed before the market takes off again in Perth What is great architecture? 8 Feb 2017 - Ken Morrison We often think the great architects are the ones who create buildings of beauty. Yet it’s an incomplete view. Great architecture is mostly about resolving the conflicting demands of a client. Cities and ecosystems 1 Feb 2017 - Ken Morrison One of the myths of leaders – be they individuals or companies – is that somehow they emerge in spite of their environment. Buildings that shape us 25 Jan 2017 - Ken Morrison It was just over 70 years ago that London architects and planners considered the most unique heritage project of the times, the rebuilding of the House of Commons following the Nazi bombing blitz. A time for optimism 18 Jan 2017 - Ken Morrison Welcome to the first edition of Property Australia for 2017. New Years should always be a time for optimism – not just because the traffic is lighter and it’s easier to find a seat on the bus or the train, but because we should start a year Time for radical surgery 16 Jan 2017 - Andrew Fletcher With research showing a continued failure to meet demand will leave the Hunter 30,000 homes short by 2024, now is the time for radical surgery. Instead, NSW Planning Minister Rob Stokes has recently announced a new range of band-aids.

A year of leadership and real results 21 Dec 2016 - Ken Morrison Over 2016 the Property Council has delivered literally hundreds of submissions on local, state and national issues. As well, we have led debates about infrastructure, planning, housing affordability, sustainability, diversity and digital di Living the good life, longer 15 Dec 2016 - Property Council of Australia Good health and wellbeing is the key to a long and happy life. It is a critical issue, not just for our residents, but for everyone as they enter their retirement years, writes Stockland's Stephen Bull. Save, consume or invest? 14 Dec 2016 - Ken Morrison You and I have a choice with every dollar we earn – we can save, we can consume or we can invest. Megatrends 7 Dec 2016 - Ken Morrison Mostly, disruption captures people off-guard. As Bill Gates says “We always overestimate the change that will occur in the next two years and underestimate the change that will occur in the next ten.” Building coalitions and communities 30 Nov 2016 - Ken Morrison This week, nearly 500 people attended the annual National Retirement Living Summit and it is clear that the sentiment of the survey reflects what is happening on the ground around Australia. Housing for the silver tsunami 23 Nov 2016 - Ken Morrison Our cities are efficient and our lives easier when we can move easily to housing that suits our lives. A growing and vibrant part of our industry is retirement living. Carrots and sticks 16 Nov 2016 - Ken Morrison The bombshell from the US wasn’t the only thing that happened last week (believe it or not). Technology changing the face of seniors design 10 Nov 2016 - Property Council of Australia ‘Glocalisation’ will play a key role in the future design of seniors living and aged care facilities, write the team at ThomsonAdsett, a Retirement Living Summit associate sponsor. Shedding light on value capture 9 Nov 2016 - Ken Morrison Value capture is the policy buzz word of the moment. On the one hand its advocates point to the substantial infrastructure deficits in our major cities. Value capture is one way to begin to close this gap they say. Innovative ways to implement safety standards 8 Nov 2016 - Property Council of Australia Retirees are recognised worldwide as one of society’s more vulnerable population groups. This is why a mandatory safety inspection of your retirement village each year should include an audit of property health and safety standards as well Five reasons for a positive outlook 2 Nov 2016 - Ken Morrison The good news is that there are some fundamentals about our industry that should make us positive about the future. Let me give you five reasons to be confident. A week for words and actions 26 Oct 2016 - Ken Morrison The Property Council likes to be ahead of change – because that’s the best way to help our industry. When you are leading change, words and action go hand in hand. We have witnessed this in the last week. Dealing with growth 19 Oct 2016 - Ken Morrison Today and tomorrow 700 delegates are travelling to Queensland for the 2016 Property Congress. I’m looking forward to spending time with members from across Australia for an event that sold out months ago. Imagining new worlds 12 Oct 2016 - Ken Morrison One of the wonders of childhood is the capacity of children to imagine new worlds. To paraphrase George Bernard Shaw, they ‘dream of things that never were and ask why not’. Your voice being heard 5 Oct 2016 - Ken Morrison Ours is an age when there are so many voices and opinions. While we might seem to be more connected than ever before, the reality is with so much noise it can be hard to be heard. Encouraging home ownership 28 Sep 2016 - Property Australia Are we seeing the first sparks of a true housing affordability debate emanating from the nation's capital? Get ready for the silver tsunami 22 Sep 2016 - Property Council of Australia Ask anyone in real estate which market sector is leading the pack and they’ll no doubt answer housing for seniors. The necessity of compromise 21 Sep 2016 - Ken Morrison It doesn’t matter if you live in a large city or on a quiet town, every day we are required to make compromises. Focus on planning reform 14 Sep 2016 - Ken Morrison In Tasmania, the visitor economy is a key growth driver. I am here to meet with members and to see first-hand the terrific progress that is being made on three major projects across the city. Preparing for the future 7 Sep 2016 - Ken Morrison Our industry is remarkably good at finding new ways to make our homes, communities and workplaces more suited to our needs – but we also must be just as good at anticipating society’s future needs. Perth CBD Needs a New Plan 5 Sep 2016 - Property Council of Australia It’s been a fantastic decade of growth and investment for the Perth CBD and now the challenge is the make it work effectively to avoid becoming a victim of its own success. Tomorrow 31 Aug 2016 - Ken Morrison This week the Property Council celebrates a significant milestone. Safe haven 24 Aug 2016 - Ken Morrison When people talk about the property industry, they mostly speak about building – about planning, design, construction, and the needs met by property. Meeting the human need 17 Aug 2016 - Ken Morrison The untold story of the last century is how markets can work to meet most human needs. The art of good decision-making 10 Aug 2016 - Ken Morrison Every day we make decisions. Most are easy, but some stop us in our tracks and make us really think. Canberra is not far off the mark for a place where people can live better 6 Aug 2016 - Merlin Kong The philosopher Aristotle once noted that "a city comes into being for the sake of life but exists for the sake of living well". In other words, people come to cities to live, but they stay because they're living life better. Innovation nation 3 Aug 2016 - Ken Morrison The level of innovation within the property industry is truly amazing. You can't outrun a bear 27 Jul 2016 - Ken Morrison There’s a story about two campers in the woods who see a bear heading towards them. Canberra's mixed use precincts lead to a community that thrives 23 Jul 2016 - Merlin Kong Mixed use developments, the bringing together of residential, retail and work elements can have a positive impact on our community. The buck stops here 20 Jul 2016 - Ken Morrison One of history’s most unlikely leaders, Harry S Truman, had a sign on his desk saying “the buck stops here”. Learning the lessons 13 Jul 2016 - Ken Morrison Australia’s longest election campaign in 50 years is over. It is not an easy time to lead anywhere in the world and we congratulate Prime Minister Turnbull and the Coalition on their re-election. Connected = Competitive 11 Jul 2016 - Andrew Fletlcher Modern cities are increasingly connected. In the way we live and work, as well as the way data, goods and services travel around our communities Who's winning in the fifth year of tax reform? 10 Jul 2016 - Merlin Kong Since 2012, general sentiment from those who follow the ACT government's tax reforms during the budget and estimates hearings usually involves a dose of foreboding about the future. It's Raining Taxes in Victoria But There's No Hallelujah 8 Jul 2016 - Property Council of Australia When it rains, it pours. And when it comes to property taxation in Victoria, many would argue it is bucketing. Living with uncertainty 6 Jul 2016 - Ken Morrison Though we do not know the final outcome – we accept and respect the result because in a democracy it is the voters’ prerogative to choose the parliament. Decision time for Australia 29 Jun 2016 - Ken Morrison Voting is a heavy responsibility and our political system needs to deliver prosperity and fairness to our country. Let's clean up building emissions now 25 Jun 2016 - Merlin Kong Our buildings are responsible for around a quarter of Australia's carbon footprint. But a new report has found we can eliminate emissions from our buildings entirely by 2050 – and we can do so with technology that exists today. Working together 22 Jun 2016 - Ken Morrison Our industry can be proud of the fact that it has created homes for 24 million Australians. A check-up for the states 15 Jun 2016 - Ken Morrison When you get to a certain age, it’s generally good to get regular check-ups. Context crucial in ACT Budget 11 Jun 2016 - Merlin Kong As a marketing exercise, the recent ACT Budget was a populist pitch with pre-budget promises of green bins, free city loop bus services, and rates increases that will be "considerably lower". Asking "Why Not?" 8 Jun 2016 - Ken Morrison It was the poet George Bernard Shaw who first wrote the words “some people see things as they are and ask why; I dream of things that never were and ask, why not”. Building cleaner cities is critical 6 Jun 2016 - Andrew Fletcher Our built environment is currently the world's single largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, consuming one third of our water and generating 40 per cent of our waste. The ever-receding finish line 1 Jun 2016 - Ken Morrison It’s been said that national competitiveness is like being in a race with an ever-receding finish line. New property taxes put Victoria's standing in global economy at risk 1 Jun 2016 - Asher Judah The state government’s decision last month to increase stamp duty and land tax surcharges on foreign investors has put Victoria on the global map for all the wrong reasons. Low Carbon, High Performance 1 Jun 2016 - Andrew Fletlcher Our built environment is currently the world's single largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions Renewal of gateway key regardless of light rail or bus overhaul plan 28 May 2016 - Merlin Kong Now that the contract has been signed, whether you're for light rail or against it, an implicit link has been made between the government's tram project and their urban renewal agenda. Fixing planning absurdities 25 May 2016 - Ken Morrison Melbourne readers may be aware of a recent story about a small bookshop in St Kilda called the Bookhouse. Putting people at the centre 18 May 2016 - Ken Morrison There was a time when ‘the building’ was at the centre of the property industry. Housing supply and housing affordability 16 May 2016 - Ken Morrison Australia is having a false housing affordability debate. While the problem is very real, the solutions being bandied have nothing to do with the problems that has left us with entry level housing that is far more expensive than it needs to Curate spaces that matter to Canberrans 14 May 2016 - Merlin Kong It's not enough simply to invest in buildings in order to create an incredible place. The sign of a great city or precinct is also the strength of its cultural and artistic life. Supporting growth in uncertain times 11 May 2016 - Ken Morrison Last week’s decision by the Reserve Bank to cut official interest rates to the lowest levels in a generation was a reminder that we continue to live in uncertain economic times. The Big Issue - housing affordability 5 May 2016 - Ken Morrison There is no doubt that housing affordability is a massive issue for Australia. ACT Property Council moves towards a more gender-diverse industry 30 Apr 2016 - Merlin Kong This week the ACT Property Council affirmed its commitment to gender diversity in the industry with the launch of its 100 Women In Property leadership program. New model would put projects above politics and promote private investment 29 Apr 2016 - Chris Mountford The Queensland economy stands at a crossroads. We cannot go back to the resources boom, but we can steer it towards opportunities for growth and job creation. It's time for the Greens to get on board with light rail 28 Apr 2016 - Andrew Fletcher In 2010, the Australian Greens released a comprehensive public transport report which was led by research and world’s best practice. City Deals the key to Queensland’s economic revival 28 Apr 2016 - Chris Mountford THE Queensland economy stands at a crossroads. We cannot go back to the resources boom, but we can steer the economy towards opportunities for new growth and job creation. Negative gearing isn't the bad guy in housing debate 27 Apr 2016 - Ken Morrison Let's answer the myths about who uses negative gearing, what benefits they get and what would be the impact on the economy if the tax system was radically changed. The facts on negative gearing 27 Apr 2016 - Ken Morrison Yesterday, the ABS released new statistics on government taxation. Calling it straight 20 Apr 2016 - Ken Morrison This week, the Prime Minister was handed his election trigger. We can expect to go to the polls in 10 weeks time. Changes to negative gearing "damaging" 17 Apr 2016 - Jane Fitzgerald For generations, Australians from all walks of life have used property as a means of building wealth. Currently, over two million Australians own an investment property. Let's be the coolest little capital 16 Apr 2016 - Merlin Kong Meeting with members of the property sector in Canberra, their passion and commitment to creating spaces that contribute to our city is infectious. On the shoulders of giants 13 Apr 2016 - Ken Morrison Australia has a great story to tell when it comes to property. Our industry is one of the best performing and most competitive industries in Australia. $90 million in dividends should be returned 12 Apr 2016 - Brian Wightman The Property Council of Australia is clear - we must bring all levels of Government together to reach consensus and a commitment to improvement. Tax reform and the politically possible 6 Apr 2016 - Ken Morrison Last week the Prime Minister launched a proposal for the states to levy their own income tax. Territory sees the light about LEDs, turning on to a more efficient future 2 Apr 2016 - Merlin Kong City-making need not always involve grand visions but can also include discrete practical upgrades to make our city more liveable, sustainable and safer. Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/comment/territory-sees-the-light-about-leds-20160 Getting cities policy right 30 Mar 2016 - Ken Morrison If Australia’s past is told by the stories of the bush and the outback, the stories of our future will be defined by our cities. Putting the case for good policy 23 Mar 2016 - Property Council of Australia It was over a century ago that the philosopher Max Weber said “Politics is a strong and slow boring of hard boards. It takes both passion and perspective.” Cities take centre stage 16 Mar 2016 - Ken Morrison We are living in the era of cities. It is in our cities that Australia’s economic wealth and 80 per cent of our GDP is generated. Challenging the boys club 9 Mar 2016 - Ken Morrison With the possible exception of mining, property is the ‘bloke-iest’ industry in Australia. Keeping property dynamic 2 Mar 2016 - Ken Morrison Competition has made our industry one of the most dynamic in Australia. Negative gearing not the enemy 26 Feb 2016 - Glenn Byres Do we have a housing affordability challenge in our capital cities? You bet. Is negative gearing to blame? No. Don't play with negative gearing 24 Feb 2016 - Ken Morrison Property is certainly no game. Our industry is vital to the economy. It employs 1.1 million Australians and generates one ninth of Australia’s GDP. Negative gearing switches could hurt SA economy 23 Feb 2016 - Daniel Gannon There's been much talk recently about the Federal Opposition’s proposal to change the tax rules on housing investment if Bill Shorten wins the next election. Changes to negative gearing puts growth at risk 22 Feb 2016 - Mary Wood Negative gearing has improbably become the tax measure most likely to be reformed in the upcoming federal budget. Political property tax grab will hurt mum-and-dad investors 22 Feb 2016 - Chris Mountford It started with a noble goal – modernising Australia’s tax system to create a stronger economy. It’s a risk to change negative gearing 22 Feb 2016 - Andrew Fletcher Look down Hunter Street today and you’ll see cranes in the sky from Newcastle West to Newcastle Beach. Cranes in the sky means jobs on the ground. Risking the dream 17 Feb 2016 - Ken Morrison The issue of negative gearing has roared to the centre of our national political debate. Council elections: Need for honest growth debate in 2016 10 Feb 2016 - Chris Mountford It has been clear for some months that development will be made a central theme of the Brisbane City Council election. Alert and more than a little alarmed 10 Feb 2016 - Ken Morrison With a GST-centred tax reform package now politically dead in the water, the storm clouds are gathering for the property industry. Back to fundamentals 3 Feb 2016 - Ken Morrison Have you ever been in a meeting where the discussion ends up widely off-topic and you wonder how it got here? Cities front and centre 27 Jan 2016 - Ken Morrison While some of us have been back at our desks for a week or two, the first working day after Australia Day has traditionally been seen as the day when summer holidays are over. The political year ahead 20 Jan 2016 - Ken Morrison Welcome to 2016, a federal election year, with polls also due in the ACT and NT.

Hop, skip and a shuffle 16 Dec 2015 - Ken Morrison Climate change, tax reform, housing affordability and cities policy all took a step forward in the last week, although tax was really more of a shuffle sideways. Maximum Opportunity brings Newcastle to life 15 Dec 2015 - Andrew Fletcher Achieving Premier Baird’s vision of Newcastle as Asia-Pacific’s best regional city is what drove the strategic thinking behind Maximum Opportunity. Leaders forum: Why stamp duty is stifling growth 11 Dec 2015 - Ken Morrison By switching from old, in¬efficient taxes to better ones they can collect the same amount of revenue but get higher economic growth. Stamp out stamp duty 9 Dec 2015 - Ken Morrison As Australia’s political leaders and treasurers meet this week to debate national tax reform, compelling new research puts the abolition of stamp duty high on the agenda. Let property grow the Townsville economy 3 Dec 2015 - Chris Mountford Townsville is a city that understands economic growth is not going to happen by accident. Property’s place in climate debate 2 Dec 2015 - Ken Morrison The world's leaders are gathering in Paris to hash out a new international agreement on climate change. A taxing time for property 1 Dec 2015 - Chris Mountford Nothing is certain but death and taxes. Thankfully we no longer experience both at the same time thanks to the abolition of death duties in the 1970s. But government still maintains a preference for taxing things that don't move and the eas Seeing the world in all its colours 1 Dec 2015 - Catherine Carter “Why would you want to live a monochrome life?” This was the question posed by Catherine McGregor’s doctor, struggling to understand what she called her “deep gender dysphoria”. It's time to turn on and transform Civic 30 Nov 2015 - Catherine Carter After years of talk, we now have action. On Monday the Property Council of Australia, Canberra CBD Limited and the Canberra Business Chamber launch the "Canberra City Collective Agenda 2016". Triple policy play 25 Nov 2015 - Ken Morrison Here's three big Federal Government announcements you need to know about. Keeping Canberra Liveable 24 Nov 2015 - Catherine Carter With Australia’s population expected to grow to 30.5 million over the next 15 years, it’s perhaps no surprise that congestion could cost the economy $53 billion a year. Where will our seniors live? 20 Nov 2015 - Mary Wood Many Australian economists and politicians have spent a lot of time in 2015 talking about Australia’s ageing population – how it will change our economy, our workplaces, our communities and society. When the CBD heads for the sea 18 Nov 2015 - Catherine Carter While it would be foolish to slavishly imitate ideas from other cities, we can certainly look elsewhere for inspiration. Urban renewal game changer 18 Nov 2015 - Ken Morrison Last week the Property Council hosted a roundtable for Federal Cities Minister Jamie Briggs on how innovative financing can kick-start urban renewal in our cities. Arm city planners with a pram and a toddler 16 Nov 2015 - Catherine Carter "If a city is female-friendly, it is friendly for everybody." These are the words of Lucy Turnbull, chairwoman of the think tank Committee for Sydney. Coming ready or not 11 Nov 2015 - Ken Morrison Last night federal MPs were given a stark message from Infrastructure Australia boss Phil Davies: growth is coming whether we're ready or not. Tax reform would help city grow 11 Nov 2015 - Chris Mountford If the past few days are any indication, it looks like the Turnbull Government is ready to ramp up a discussion about tax reform. Designing a better way to health 10 Nov 2015 - Catherine Carter We Australians like to think of ourselves as active, outdoorsy types. But the data tells a different story. UTAS 6 Nov 2015 - Brian Wightman The University of Tasmania wants to spend $220 million dollars to deliver a purpose built education facility in the heart of Launceston stimulating significant and ongoing economic activity. Cities focus a local boost 4 Nov 2015 - Chris Mountford During the past four years, the Property Council has worked closely with our members on strategies to revitalise Townsville’s CBD and reinvigorate the local economy. Strata laws for modern Australia 4 Nov 2015 - Ken Morrison It only took one person to hold out on a development proposal to prevent our strata-titled cities evolving. But not anymore. Negative gearing is not evil 28 Oct 2015 - Ken Morrison That’s the message of Deloitte Access Economics’ latest Mythbusting Tax Reform report, released on Monday. Let property grow the economy 21 Oct 2015 - Ken Morrison Opening a newspaper this week, walking through Canberra airport or scrolling social media, you’ll find a simple but powerful message: Let property grow the economy. New deal for cities will mean a great deal for the nation 15 Oct 2015 - Ken Morrison Cities have fast become an area of furious policy focus for both major political parties. Increment financing not a new form of tax 14 Oct 2015 - Ken Morrison Tax increment financing captures the uplift in tax revenue that occurs with supporting infrastructure investment and hypothecates this revenue stream into the financing of the project. Share the industry's story 14 Oct 2015 - Ken Morrison It's just four days until the largest ever Property Congress on the Gold Coast. Which means the launch of our Let property grow the economy campaign is just around the corner. Time to tell our story 7 Oct 2015 - Ken Morrison From today travellers using Canberra airport will be given an insight into the enormous contribution our industry makes to the nation. Medium density, maximum liveability 30 Sep 2015 - Ken Morrison Like many Australian cities, Perth is undergoing a transformation. Delight or Die: the future of our cities 29 Sep 2015 - Catherine Carter “Liveable, vibrant cities are absolutely critical to our prosperity,” said Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull as he unveiled his new ministry last week. Turnbull takes us back to the future 29 Sep 2015 - Andrew Fletcher It is nearly 25 years since the last Federal Minister had a transformative impact on Newcastle. Cities take centre stage 22 Sep 2015 - Ken Morrison Our new Prime Minister has lost no time in placing cities squarely back on the federal agenda. United we stand 18 Sep 2015 - Andrew Fletcher Attention is now squarely focussed on getting the best outcome for the city, rather than protecting partisan policy. Economic leadership 16 Sep 2015 - Ken Morrison There’s nothing quite like being gazumped by the Prime Minister, but we have been! Sustainability goes mainstream 9 Sep 2015 - Ken Morrison Sustainability – it’s no longer a buzzword. It’s business-as-usual. Canberra's City Centre 6 Sep 2015 - Catherine Carter The results of recent research into Civic confirms what we already know: Canberrans love our city but feel its centre is ripe for renovation. Kickstarting our City Centre 3 Sep 2015 - Catherine Carter "Lacking a heart and a soul.” "A mismatch of modern and dated poorly-maintained heritage buildings." A place with "no oomph". Shining a light on retirement living 2 Sep 2015 - Ken Morrison By 2030, one in five of us will be over the age of 65. While five per cent of Australians call a retirement village home today, this figure will double over the next decade. A destination of choice 1 Sep 2015 - Jennifer Cunich For those looking to grow their property portfolio internationally, Australia’s stable business environment and robust economy have created markets rich in opportunity. Eyes opened to possible visions 1 Sep 2015 - Andrew Fletcher The Transforming Newcastle Taskforce is a local industry brains trust with the job of responding to the opportunities that UrbanGrowth NSW has identified for the city centre's revitalisation. Fixing Civic’s identity crisis 31 Aug 2015 - Catherine Carter If Civic was a person, it would be suffering a serious identity crisis says Médy Hassan, Managing Director, Haus Holdings, Adjunct Professor at RMIT and long-time resident of Canberra. 5As of Retirement Living 26 Aug 2015 - Catherine Carter While not every older Canberran wants to live in a retirement living village, they do deliver housing choice. Reform debate gathers momentum 26 Aug 2015 - Ken Morrison Major economic reform has never been easy, but it sure seems hard work these days. Retirement Living Census 23 Aug 2015 - Catherine Carter Retirement living is not for the rich. Instead, it provides affordable housing for pensioners, particularly single women. Building green bolt-holes in a busy city 19 Aug 2015 - Catherine Carter As Canberrans shake off our winter blues, catching those first rejuvenating rays of spring sunshine reward us for our fortitude. And there’s no better place to be in spring than in one of Canberra’s many glorious parks or gardens. Go for growth 19 Aug 2015 - Ken Morrison Will Australians have to lower our ambitions and settle for below-trend levels of economic growth into the future as the Reserve Bank warned last week? Property voice at the table 12 Aug 2015 - Ken Morrison Financial sustainability, tax reform and productivity. These are just some of the hot topics on the agenda at the National Reform Summit taking place a fortnight from today. Canberra icons and well kept secrets 12 Aug 2015 - Catherine Carter What do the National Portrait Gallery, the suburb of Crace and the Monash Green retirement living development in Tuggeranong all have in common? Industry's best celebrate great design 10 Aug 2015 - Catherine Carter In a public service town, many of us rarely stop to think about the role of other industries in building jobs, prosperity and strong communities for the people of Canberra. Celebrating the best of the best 9 Aug 2015 - Catherine Carter In a public service town, many of us rarely stop to think about the role of other industries in building jobs, prosperity and strong communities for the people of Canberra. Shelter from the storm 5 Aug 2015 - Ken Morrison If you’re reading this, then I’ll bet you’ve led a fortunate life – with a rewarding job, career prospects and a steady income. Re-lifing our offices can revive our CBD 5 Aug 2015 - Catherine Carter While the amount of vacant office space in Canberra has decreased slightly over the last six months, our city continues to record the second highest vacancy rate in the country. Creating a city for all ages 31 Jul 2015 - Catherine Carter Not all Canberrans choose a sea or tree change in retirement. An increasing number of people are deciding to stay put. Saying yes, yes, yes to urban renewal 30 Jul 2015 - Catherine Carter It's time for Canberrans to embrace rather than fight urban renewal, says Dan Stewart. Power Program 29 Jul 2015 - Ken Morrison The countdown is on. It’s only 80 days until the biggest gathering on the property industry’s calendar – The Property Congress. Getting lost (and found) in our laneways 29 Jul 2015 - Catherine Carter Do you remember a time, long before Google maps, when you wandered through a city – one either familiar or foreign – only to take a wrong turn into a little-known laneway? To solve housing shortage, start building 28 Jul 2015 - Catherine Carter When the property industry generates 25,000 jobs across Canberra, industry optimism is good news for us all. Let’s say Yes in My Back Yard 27 Jul 2015 - Catherine Carter Canberra’s population will double over the next 45 years. Whether we like it or not, this makes urban renewal an essential part of our future. Disruption on the vital route to infrastructure progress in Sydney 27 Jul 2015 - Glenn Byres It's a rare thing to see governments run advertising campaigns that send a simple message: we're going to disrupt your lives. A fairer future for all 22 Jul 2015 - Ken Morrison In June the Property Council published analysis which found stamp duty costs are spiralling out of control. Time to pull GST out of the too hard basket 15 Jul 2015 - Ken Morrison We’ve heard a lot about what politicians, economists and commentators think about tax reform, but what about the punters? Stamp duty anniversary 12 Jul 2015 - Catherine Carter While birthdays are usually a cause for celebration, our most terrible tax turned 150 last week, and no one was popping the champagne. Taking the property industry's pulse 12 Jul 2015 - Catherine Carter When the property industry generates 25,000 jobs across Canberra, industry optimism is good news for us all. And the latest check of the industry’s pulse finds confidence is on the rise. How cities are making us sick 10 Jul 2015 - Catherine Carter Planning policies of the 20th century have left cities with low-density suburbs and disconnected streets, segregated land use and limited local employment, congested roads and inadequate public transport. City building 8 Jul 2015 - Ken Morrison It’s a curious fact that while we Australians have a whole continent to ourselves, we choose to cluster close to each other in major cities. How do we boost our city’s bliss? 3 Jul 2015 - Catherine Carter We Canberrans are a happy bunch, by and large, and for good reason. Report after report confirms what we know: Canberra is a great place to live. Putting the car space into play 3 Jul 2015 - Catherine Carter When a car space can add an extra $30,000 to the cost of an apartment, not everyone puts secure parking on top of their house-hunting wish list. I heart healthy cities 2 Jul 2015 - Catherine Carter The way we build our cities is having a profound impact on our health. Xenophobia has no place in property 1 Jul 2015 - Ken Morrison Bidding at auction can test the best of us. But the stress of rising house prices is no excuse for xenophobia. Axe the roller coaster tax 28 Jun 2015 - Catherine Carter This month, the South Australian government announced it is taking an axe to stamp duty. Over the next three years, stamp duty on commercial property transactions will be phased out – giving businesses a reason to party in the festival stat Parking offset ticks boxes 25 Jun 2015 - Catherine Carter When a car space can add an extra $30,000 to the cost of an apartment, not everyone puts secure parking on top of their house-hunting wish list. Stamping out stamp duty 24 Jun 2015 - Ken Morrison This week has been a tale of two different templates for tax reform. The right levers 23 Jun 2015 - Andrew Fletcher The biggest risk to maintaining the Hunter’s current growth trajectory is the dramatic decline in housing affordability. Let’s get flexible: capturing the business benefits of flexible working 18 Jun 2015 - Catherine Carter How do we capture the business benefits of flexible working? The property industry gathered this week at the Hotel Realm to explore this question and examine pathways to boost the number of women in the property and construction industry be Stamp duty spirals out of control 17 Jun 2015 - Ken Morrison The abolition of stamp duty – too long ignored in the national housing affordability debate – is now well and truly on the agenda. Partnership the new leadership 14 Jun 2015 - Catherine Carter A city of soaring monuments, empty green spaces and blue skies filled with hot air balloons. And not a person in sight. Both major parties push planning reform 11 Jun 2015 - Chris Mountford Headlines continue to capture the daily argy-bargy and personal controversies of Queensland's 55th Parliament, yet at the same time, the future economic prosperity of Queensland is being debated. National Heritage listing an unnecessary burden 10 Jun 2015 - Catherine Carter A living city isn’t one that is dipped in amber and preserved. A living city changes to accommodate the evolving needs of its citizens. Good, bad and ugly of planning 10 Jun 2015 - Ken Morrison Another weekend and another round of barking up the wrong tree on housing affordability. Building better places for people 4 Jun 2015 - Catherine Carter The ACT Government’s urban renewal agenda is essential if we are to enhance the vibrancy and vitality of our city. Bubble talk 3 Jun 2015 - Ken Morrison 'Housing bubble'. The words leaped out of the Treasury Secretary's mouth and onto the front pages this week. Relax taxes to revitalise Civic 31 May 2015 - Catherine Carter To borrow from Winston Churchill, trying to tax our way into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle. Australia's biggest industry 27 May 2015 - Ken Morrison Today the property industry’s leaders gather in the nation’s capital for our annual Leaders Summit. Anything but ordinary 26 May 2015 - Catherine Carter How did a faded and forgotten corner of Canberra’s city centre become one of Australia’s most memorable new neighbourhoods? A strong voice for the industry 20 May 2015 - Ken Morrison A greater role in the political life of the nation. This is one of the Property Council’s core strategic goals for the next few years. Newcastle's Flat Earth Society 19 May 2015 - Andrew Fletcher If Don Lane were alive today, he would have been the perfect host for the Newcastle Institute's latest event - The Railway Stalemate. Monash Green Retirement Village 17 May 2015 - Catherine Carter Earlier this month, Monash Green Retirement Village in Tuggeranong was named Australia’s best retirement living development for 2015. Restarting our city heart 14 May 2015 - Catherine Carter There are many similarities between Canberra and Wellington – the city dubbed the world’s “coolest little capital”. Property key to future economic growth 13 May 2015 - Ken Morrison The Government promised less thrills and spills with this year's federal budget – and so it was. The big focus was on small business growth, child care and pension reform, and a raft of tax integrity measures. Cool capital 11 May 2015 - Catherine Carter “Buildings don’t create the culture or the space,” David Caffrey, the Molonglo Group’s cultural coordinator, said last week. Guarding the legacy 6 May 2015 - Ken Morrison Last week we inducted two giants of our industry into the Australian Property Hall of Fame and celebrated the industry's most successful new projects. New president, new board 29 Apr 2015 - Ken Morrison Our new strategy has set the course. Now, we have a new Board to steer the ship No changes to negative gearing 22 Apr 2015 - Ken Morrison YES. This was the Prime Minister’s unequivocal response when asked whether he could rule out any changes to negative gearing in Australia. Celebrating Excellence 15 Apr 2015 - Ken Morrison One of the Property Council’s most important jobs is to showcase excellence in our industry and next month we will be doing just that at the Innovation and Excellence Awards Gala dinner on 1 May. From rust belt to renaissance 15 Apr 2015 - Catherine Carter The price of investing in a city may be considerable, but the price of doing nothing is far greater. Local Government Reform 15 Apr 2015 - Brian Wightman It’s difficult to justify an argument which suggests that Tasmanians would receive inferior quality representation if council amalgamations eventuate. Give that government an easter egg 8 Apr 2015 - Ken Morrison It's school holidays and parents across the country are bribing their kids to do the right thing. Bringing residents into the city 5 Apr 2015 - Catherine Carter Thousands of square metres of commercial office space can be converted to bring more residents into Canberra’s city centre, through a new partnership between government and industry. Taking art to the streets 1 Apr 2015 - Catherine Carter The drab and dreary Tocumwal Lane off Bunda Street was transformed recently into a homage to super heroes, with the Incredible Hulk, Batman, Ironman and more now scaling the sides of buildings. Backing economic reforms 31 Mar 2015 - Ken Morrison So it seems voters can still back big economic reform after all. Sydney and Melbourne buildings 30 Mar 2015 - Catherine Carter The Sydney and Melbourne buildings were once the commercial heart of Canberra. They were a gateway to our CBD which told visitors “you’ve arrived”. Let's transform Canberra's city centre 25 Mar 2015 - Catherine Carter “Creating a world-class city centre is much more than placing a skate rink into a wintery and unpopular Garema Place.” Negotiating the boys' club 23 Mar 2015 - Catherine Carter Property and construction is often considered a man’s job – whether that’s hard-hatted on site or networking and negotiating the next ‘big deal’. Love it or leave it 22 Mar 2015 - Catherine Carter In today’s borderless world, people, business, ideas and capital can move anywhere. This has great implications for the way we build and grow our cities, says acclaimed urbanist, Larry Beasley. The secret is in our streets 20 Mar 2015 - Catherine Carter The most exciting element of any city is people. So says Professor Rob Adams, who has spent the last thirty years transforming Melbourne’s CBD from a series of windswept streets into the vibrant, cosmopolitan city we see today. A new strategy and a stronger voice 17 Mar 2015 - Ken Morrison The countdown is on. Eleven days from now Australia’s most populous state heads to the polls, and as with the recent elections in Queensland and Victoria, reform is at the heart of the political contest in New South Wales. Property contribution to Canberra 13 Mar 2015 - Catherine Carter Without farmers we don't eat. Without developers, we don't have shelter from the storm. Facing up to the future 10 Mar 2015 - Ken Morrison Last week’s intergenerational report contained some mind-bending numbers. ABS Building Approvals 8 Mar 2015 - Catherine Carter ABS Building Approvals released this week achieved new record high levels but activity in the nation’s capital is going in the opposite direction. Why diversity is a hot button issue 5 Mar 2015 - Catherine Carter By 2055, Australia’s workforce participation rate will be 2.2 per cent lower than the 62.4 per cent it is today. Mixed messages on foreign investment 3 Mar 2015 - Ken Morrison What is Australia’s policy on foreign investment? The federal government can’t seem to make up its mind. 71 Was Never The Answer 1 Mar 2015 - Andrew Fletcher The hysteria over “Copy 71” of a Transport for NSW cabinet minute which recommended Newcastle’s light rail be routed down the heavy rail corridor has plunged local politics into a state of high farce once more. New beginnings 28 Feb 2015 - Jennifer Cunich The start of another year can often be full of mayhem as schedules, budgets and targets are set. Brilliant new plans for brickworks 27 Feb 2015 - Catherine Carter In Toronto, a down-at-heel distillery has become the city’s place to see and be seen. Designer boutiques and hip cafes rest cheek-by-jowl alongside gorgeous art galleries and artisan shops. Why diversity matters to your business 26 Feb 2015 - Catherine Carter Generous maternity leave, equal pay for equal work, workplace flexibility and a guarantee that seniority will not be lost if you take time out to have children. Planning for the future 24 Feb 2015 - Ken Morrison "We must build the infrastructure that makes Australia a more productive and efficient country today, and prepare for the needs of our population tomorrow." A thing of beauty is a joy forever 22 Feb 2015 - Catherine Carter Is beauty really in the eye of the beholder? According to philosopher Alain de Botton, an ‘intellectual confusion around beauty’ for the last century has delivered building after building, street after street and city after city of ugliness Creating memorable neighbourhoods 19 Feb 2015 - Catherine Carter In less than a decade, a forgotten corner of Canberra’s CBD has become one of Australia’s most memorable new neighbourhoods. What’s going on in this country? Have all our politicians lost their ticker? 17 Feb 2015 - Ken Morrison What’s going on in this country? Have all our politicians lost their ticker? Well yes and no. There’s no doubt the ongoing leadership troubles besetting the Federal Government have left their appetite for reform in question. Out of the box 13 Feb 2015 - Catherine Carter A dynamic and daring new experiment in urban development will ‘pop up’ along the edge of Lake Burley Griffin on Canberra Day. Time to get on with the job 10 Feb 2015 - Ken Morrison What an extraordinary political fortnight! While the politicians and the media spin themselves into a frenzy, the normal workings of government have ground to a halt. Places for people 6 Feb 2015 - Catherine Carter A picture in the National Library’s collection, snapped in the 1950s, shows Garema Place buzzing with life. Shoppers stop to chat, school children skip, and bakeries, grocery stores and chemists do a cracking trade. The evolution of the cool capital 4 Feb 2015 - Catherine Carter In the last year or so, we’ve enjoyed a renaissance in Canberra’s reputation as a place people want to be. Shifting political sands 3 Feb 2015 - Ken Morrison More dramatic than the Socceroos’ extra time victory, more impressive than Serena Williams’ 19th Grand Slam win; the Queensland state election result on Saturday night was magnetic viewing. Building for the future 26 Jan 2015 - Ken Morrison As well as the chance to celebrate our nation with the traditional barbeques, beers, and citizenship ceremonies, Australia Day also gives us an opportunity to reflect not only on where we have been, but where we are going. A New Year 19 Jan 2015 - Ken Morrison Welcome back! I hope the sun, sand and over-indulgence were good for you. City Redevelopment Will Lead to More Jobs 19 Jan 2015 - Edward Crawford It’s time to move beyond the intense negativity of rail line debate. Selfies may hold the secret to fun in Civic 9 Jan 2015 - Catherine Carter The most curious "selfies" are emerging from Newcastle. Too many suits are bad for business 2 Jan 2015 - Daniel Gannon Let's not beat around the bush – the property industry can be a pretty ‘blokey’ place.

Time to develop plans for old RAH site 30 Dec 2014 - Daniel Gannon Here's a new year’s resolution for the State Government – develop an innovative plan for the existing Royal Adelaide Hospital site. Developing Canberra 28 Dec 2014 - Catherine Carter Canberrans have always known our city is a well-kept secret: a rare mix of national institutions and country charm, federal politics and home-grown community, urban beauty and wide-open spaces. Tax Reform 16 Dec 2014 - Ken Morrison It's often forgotten that a decisive initiative which allowed John Howard to pursue national tax reform in the late 1990s was the joint push from business and the community sector. The importance of planning reform 8 Dec 2014 - Ken Morrison Few issues are as important for the industry as planning reform. Tax reforms 6 Dec 2014 - Catherine Carter Winston Churchill once said “for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.” Keeping your cool when the heat is on 30 Nov 2014 - Catherine Carter The recent unseasonable weather and soaring temperatures has had everyone reaching for the air-conditioning on-switch. City centre that's so easy to forget 27 Nov 2014 - Catherine Carter Times Square in New York has its video screens, LED lights and swarms of people. Compromise is music to our ears 25 Nov 2014 - Catherine Carter A vibrant live music scene is adding zing and zest to Canberra’s cultural life. Victorians vote 25 Nov 2014 - Ken Morrison This Saturday Victorians vote in what is set to be a tight election, with polls tipping a change of government may be on the cards. The place to ride a bicycle 20 Nov 2014 - Catherine Carter With world-class cycling infrastructure, from bike paths and cycle lanes, mountain bike tracks and a stunning circuit around Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra is a great place to ride a bike. Retirement Living Summit 18 Nov 2014 - Ken Morrison Tomorrow the Property Council will be hosting our second national Retirement Living Summit in Sydney. Foreign investment 16 Nov 2014 - Catherine Carter Is foreign investment good for Canberra? Work that's never done 13 Nov 2014 - Catherine Carter The TV show "Family Feud" might say cooking, cleaning and doing the dishes are "women's work", but women in Canberra's highly competitive and fast-paced construction industry know differently. It’s time for the Emerald City to shine 13 Nov 2014 - Glenn Byres When we invoke the name of John Bradfield, it is usually associated with his vision for the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Strata prevails 11 Nov 2014 - Ken Morrison As our cities become denser, strata title becomes more prevalent. It’s an important form of ownership for both residential and commercial property. Women in property 2 Nov 2014 - Catherine Carter Should we be surprised that more women are employed in Canberra than any other part of Australia? Canberra's gateway in dire need of an upgrade 30 Oct 2014 - Catherine Carter We may have the world's most liveable city, but our gateway is surely one of the ugliest. Big federation debate 28 Oct 2014 - Ken Morrison Prime Minister Tony Abbott fired the starter's gun on Australia's big federation debate over the weekend, intrinsically linking it to tax reform. Positives in recycling plan 25 Oct 2014 - Glenn Byres Why would commercial property owners be advocates for a long-term lease of the state’s electricity transmission network? Northbourne Flats 24 Oct 2014 - Catherine Carter We may have the world’s most liveable city, but our gateway is surely one of the ugliest. Negatives turn into positives 23 Oct 2014 - Catherine Carter Negative gearing is mistakenly viewed as a tax concession that helps property barons. However, the truth is a very different story. Property industry confidence 19 Oct 2014 - Catherine Carter Confidence levels in the ACT property sector have risen according to a leading indicator of business sentiment. Lapping up parking freedom 16 Oct 2014 - Catherine Carter The school holidays proved the perfect opportunity for a "stay-cation"; Floriade was in full bloom, the weather was beautiful and, for the first time, there was no pressure to get a parking spot outside our national attractions. Challenges of city strategising 14 Oct 2014 - Ken Morrison One of the biggest challenges of a city strategy is to get it to shape what actually happens on the ground. Too often city plans ‘hover in the air’, alluringly just out of reach of reality. Paid parking 9 Oct 2014 - Catherine Carter This school holidays was the perfect opportunity for a ‘stay-cation’. Floriade was in full bloom, the weather was beautiful and, for the first time, there was no pressure to get a parking spot outside our national attractions. Negative gearing 5 Oct 2014 - Catherine Carter Negative gearing is not a tax concession for the rich. Canberra's laneway culture 1 Oct 2014 - Catherine Carter The closure of three nightclubs in the Sydney Building may be the impetus we need to kick-start Canberra’s laneway culture. Look before you leap on foreign property investment controls 30 Sep 2014 - Ken Morrison Australia seems to be working itself into a lather about foreign investment in real estate. Planning for prosperity 30 Sep 2014 - Jennifer Cunich As we approach the final weeks before the Victorian state elections, the Property Council is deep in strategy mode. The Property Congress 23 Sep 2014 - Ken Morrison The Property Congress went off with a bang last week. Government can improve the seniors housing market 23 Sep 2014 - Mary Wood Australian governments at all levels spent over $13 billion in 2012-2013 on residential aged care and community care packages for senior Australians. This figure has grown substantially over the last few years, and is set to continue rising Getting Regional Planning Right 23 Sep 2014 - Kathy MacDermott In late 2013, the Queensland Government commenced its review of the South East Queensland Regional Plan (SEQRP) 2009-2031. Lack of women in construction sector a missed opportunity 21 Sep 2014 - Catherine Carter The bad old days of men downing tools when a woman walked on to a construction site might be long gone, but the property and construction industry is yet to realise the full potential of half of Australia’s workforce. Affordable housing 19 Sep 2014 - Catherine Carter The latest Australian Residential Development Outlook forecasts that 180,000 new homes will be built by June next year – about 30,000 more than the average of recent years. Terrorism public alert level raised 16 Sep 2014 - Ken Morrison Last Friday the Prime Minister announced that Australia’s national terrorism public alert level had been raised to ‘high’. Thank you 12 Sep 2014 - Ken Morrison In this week alone, nearly six thousand people will have attended Property Council Christmas lunches around the country. Incredible, isn’t it. Sustainability superstars 11 Sep 2014 - Catherine Carter Australian property companies are streets ahead when it comes to sustainability – and Canberra has the green landmarks to prove it. Cost of rising house prices 10 Sep 2014 - Catherine Carter While 180,000 new homes will be built nationally by June next year - about 30,000 more than the recent average - this is still not enough to meet demand. Energy Efficiency Opportunities scheme 9 Sep 2014 - Ken Morrison Governments often talk about slashing red tape, but don’t always follow through. Australian Residential Development Outlook Report 7 Sep 2014 - Catherine Carter If you’ve been pounding the pavement looking for a good-value rental property, or pouring over The Canberra Times each Saturday morning in the hope you’ll find your dream home, good news awaits you. Queanbeyan Downtown Q 5 Sep 2014 - Catherine Carter Our regional towns represent the quintessential Australia - evoking nostalgia for a time when industry boomed, optimism thrived and neighbours knew and looked out for each other. 'Re-life' Townsville's CBD 26 Aug 2014 - Ken Morrison Last week I was in north Queensland as part of Property Council led discussions on how to 're-life' Townsville's CBD. City debate 24 Aug 2014 - Catherine Carter Future visions for Canberra attract a range of passionate and often polarised views – views that are routinely aired in the media. ICAC revelations 19 Aug 2014 - Ken Morrison What are we to make of the continuing ICAC revelations in NSW? A better business vote is good business 15 Aug 2014 - Glenn Byres Democracy is underpinned by a basic principle: if you pay rates and taxes, you earn the right to vote. It shouldn’t be something we compromise — but in local council elections in NSW, that’s exactly what occurs. Welcome news: Developers won't wear NBN costs 10 Aug 2014 - Ken Morrison Some very welcome news last week with confirmation that new developments will not be hit with up to $4000 extra per dwelling for the installation of the national broadband network. Laneways 1 Aug 2014 - Catherine Carter If you’ve ever been lost down the alleys of Paris, the labyrinthine streets of Florence or Venice, or the blackened byways and peculiar passages of London, you’ll understand the pleasure of wandering through laneways that were laid out long Advancing our infrastructure agenda 30 Jul 2014 - Jennifer Cunich It’s time to think outside the square on infrastructure funding and financing. If Victoria is to retain its competitiveness and liveability, alternative funding methods must be explored. Reform vital to boost productivity 29 Jul 2014 - Ken Morrison Last week Property Council president Darren Steinberg delivered a clear message for national policy makers: immediate reform is vital to boost national productivity. NewActon - a memorable neighbourhood 27 Jul 2014 - Catherine Carter In less than a decade, a forgotten corner of Canberra’s CBD has been transformed into one of Australia’s most memorable new neighbourhoods. Grattan Institute 23 Jul 2014 - Catherine Carter We live in a ‘wide brown land’, and yet 80 per cent of our goods and services value is produced on just 0.2 per cent of it – and most of that is in our city CBDs. Taking up the reins 22 Jul 2014 - Ken Morrison It's a tremendous honour to be taking up the reins at the Property Council. Canberra: the world capital for wellbeing 26 Jun 2014 - Catherine Carter The New York Times says we’re hip, the My City survey says we have Australia’s most liveable city, and now we lead the nation for wellbeing, according to new OECD rankings. Lunch with the Chief Minister 24 Jun 2014 - Catherine Carter Half way into its four year term, the ACT Government has set an ambitious agenda with unprecedented investment in infrastructure projects that will change the shape of Canberra. No more free ride with free parking 19 Jun 2014 - Catherine Carter Australia is a car nation, and Canberra was a capital built for cars. ACT Budget - June 2014 15 Jun 2014 - Catherine Carter The 2014-2015 ACT Budget handed down last reflects the current economic environment with a number of positive initiatives which will be of direct benefit to the Territory, although there are also some significant tax increases that may have Kick-starting laneway culture 11 Jun 2014 - Catherine Carter The closure of three nightclubs in the Sydney Building may be the impetus we need to kick start Canberra's laneway culture. Time to Shine 6 Jun 2014 - Catherine Carter Since self-government the property industry has underpinned the development of Canberra as an independent and progressive city. Capital Metro light rail 1 Jun 2014 - Catherine Carter At a time when everyone in Canberra is talking about budget cuts, there could be a light at the end of the tunnel. And that light could be the Capital Metro light rail. Build your House of Bricks 29 May 2014 - Catherine Carter As the pressure continues for government to release new land for housing in Canberra it makes sense to consider vacant or under-utilised sites in our existing suburbs. Hot, light and gorgeous 22 May 2014 - Catherine Carter Canberra is no stranger to world class exhibitions. Crace wins national award for excellence 18 May 2014 - Catherine Carter A new suburb in Canberra that challenges people’s perceptions of suburban life has achieved national recognition at the 2014 Property Council of Australia / Rider Levett Bucknall Innovation & Excellence Awards. The Block might help with reforms our state’s property sector needs 12 May 2014 - Daniel Gannon Sydney, Sydney, Sydney, Melbourne, Melbourne, Sydney, Melbourne, Melbourne, Melbourne, Melbourne. That’s the destination pattern for renovation TV show, The Block, dating back to 2003. Housing key to economy 11 May 2014 - Chris Mountford The property industry is the lifeblood of Queensland’s economy, and in a time of market slowdown, a healthy property industry is more vital than ever. Exciting times ahead 8 May 2014 - Ken Morrison This year's Property Congress is shaping up to be a cracker. The next big thing 4 May 2014 - Catherine Carter The release of the City Plan and recent announcements about the City to the Lake project and Capital Metro are exciting and have focused a spotlight on urban growth in Canberra. Bland and boring no more 3 May 2014 - Catherine Carter Everyone has been talking about the latest ‘My City’ survey which confirmed what Canberrans already know: our city is an amazing place to live. The business of greener buildings 30 Apr 2014 - Jennifer Cunich The last decade has seen mounting interest in cleaner energy systems.