Home Property Australia Property Council announces Matthew Kandelaars as new Group Executive National Policy & Advocacy

Property Council announces Matthew Kandelaars as new Group Executive National Policy & Advocacy

  • May 11, 2023
  • by Property Australia
Matthew Kandelaars will commence in the role in June.

The Property Council of Australia has announced the appointment of Mr Matthew Kandelaars as its Group Executive National Policy & Advocacy.

Mr Kandelaars joins the Property Council after serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the Urban Development Institute of Australia in Victoria. He previously worked at the Property Council as the Interim Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director of the Victorian Division.

Prior to these roles Mr Kandelaars was the Chief of Staff to the Deputy Premier of South Australia and held a variety of senior ministerial advisory positions to Victorian cabinet ministers. A lawyer by training, Mr Kandelaars has worked at Ashurst and in construction and major projects at Clayton Utz.

Property Council Chief Executive Mike Zorbas said following an intensive recruitment process, he was delighted announce Mr Kandelaars’ appointment.

“I am pleased to welcome Matthew back to the Property Council to take up this vital thought leadership role,” Mr Zorbas said.

“Matthew is a champion for our industry and someone who achieves results.

“Our members will benefit greatly from his deep experience, strong relationships and industry knowledge.

“Matthew is the right leader for our highly skilled advocacy disciplines, and I know he will help us achieve positive policy change in the strong tradition of the Property Council,” he said.

Mr Kandelaars said he was thrilled to be returning to the Property Council in the national role.

“I am delighted to be leading the Property Council’s national advocacy team and I look forward to continuing the organisation’s impressive track record of securing better outcomes for our cities,” Mr Kandelaars said.

“From housing affordability and supply, to tax reform, improving planning systems and decarbonisation outcomes, I will work closely with Mike, our teams and members to engage key decision-makers around the country and represent our sector with a strong voice.

“It’s great to be returning to the Property Council, and reconnecting with members, the nationwide team and my Victorian colleagues in particular,” he said.

Mr Kandelaars will commence in the role in June.