Brian Wightman appointed new Executive Director

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Brian Wightman appointed new Executive DirectorThe Property Council of Australia today announced that Brian Wightman has been appointed as its new Tasmanian Executive Director.The Property Council’s Tasmanian President, Tim Johnstone, said Mr Wightman was chosen after an extensive recruitment process from a strong field of candidates.”Brian is a passionate Tasmanian with an independent profile and outstanding leadership, policy and communication qualities,” Mr Johnstone said.”He has all the skills to deliver the property industry’s pro-growth agenda to policy makers, the media and the public.””It is important that the community understands the industry’s fundamental role in creating jobs and prosperity and shaping the future of our urban centres. It’s a story which Brian is well placed to tell.”Mr Wightman said he was looking forward to the challenge of representing an industry which has a vital role in securing the economic prosperity of Tasmanians.”I have always been a passionate advocate for Tasmania and am pleased to be able to assist the Property Council to deliver jobs for our community,” Mr Wightman said.”The property and construction industries employ almost 17 per cent of Tasmania’s workforce – they are critical economic pillars and ones that must be backed by good policy so they can maximise employment and investment in Tasmania.”I am looking forward to sitting down with the State Government and ensuring these industries continue to have a strong voice with a view to achieving the reforms necessary for long-term strength in the property sector.”Mr Wightman said he was keen to see outcomes delivered from key State Government initiatives including the Planning Reform Task Force, the Coordinator General (based in Launceston), the Department of State Growth and Infrastructure Tasmania.”I am confident the skills I developed as a former member of parliament stand me in good stead to provide the level of representation the property sector needs and deserves to ensure it has a strong future in Tasmania,” Mr Wightman said.The property and construction industries employ 16.7 per cent of Tasmania’s workforce, is the state’s largest single contributor to gross state product at 10.9 per cent, and pays over $800 million in property-specific state and local taxes.Mr Wightman will commence with the Property Council on 22 September 2014.Media contacts:Tim Johnstone, Tasmanian President 0418 395 157Brian Wightman, incoming Executive Director 0429 073 773