A message from the President Steve Maras 

The past year has again showcased the Property Council’s key strengths: the ability to deliver excellent policy outcomes and powerful economic and community benefits while advocating the interests of the property industry.

Despite the seeming political unpredictability across the country over the past 12 months – from the knife-edge federal election result to the rise of Nick Xenophon and Pauline Hanson – the Property Council has continued to advocate the importance of our industry to South Australia’s economy:

• We are South Australia’s biggest industry, accounting for 10.8% of the State’s economic activity
• We are South Australia’s biggest private sector employer, generating almost 170,000 direct and indirect jobs – more than mining and manufacturing combined
• 1 in 6 South Australians draw their wage directly or indirectly from the property industry
• We contribute 56.6% of South Australia’s taxes, local Government rates, fees and charges

Our industry touches the lives of all Australians, and if we can get the policy settings right, our industry will play the leading role in growing our economy to where we all want it to be.

Even right up until Christmas, the Property Council has been busy selling this message, and we will continue to do so.

This year we have played a leading role in shaping the Planning, Development & Infrastructure Bill – an important trigger for economic growth – and celebrated our 20th anniversary as the peak body representing the property sector.  While the Property Council’s proud history dates back to 1969 when the Building Owners and Managers Association (“BOMA”) was established in Australia, this year we marked 20 years since we became the Property Council of Australia.  As part of our 20th anniversary celebrations, we recognised individuals across the country who have made a tremendous contribution to the Property Council and the industry – in South Australia, we conferred Honorary Life Membership on James Sarah, Joint Managing Director of Sarah Group and former President of the Property Council here in South Australia.

To recognise this milestone, we also developed a timeline tracking the Property Council’s evolution from humble beginnings to the present day.

It’s a history to be proud of as we chart a new direction for the future, and while we have achieved a great deal in South Australia – there is a lot more to do, which means 2017 will be another big and busy year. 

Of course, the work of the Property Council would not be possible without the 151 industry volunteers who serve across the 10 member committees. These industry volunteers give us their time and energy to help shape this great sector, and for that we are eternally grateful. 

Next Friday, we host our final event for 2016. Over the course of the year, 3293 guests have heard from 85 speakers at Property Council events, including events featuring Federal Ministers, Premier, Treasurer, Leader of the Opposition and Lord Mayor – cementing our position as South Australia’s foremost provider of networking, learning and professional development opportunities.

These events have been made possible by the incredibly generous support of our Corporate Partners, event sponsors and each of you.

I want to take this opportunity to thank our Executive Director, Daniel Gannon, for all his terrific efforts and contribution throughout the year and to our energetic and hard-working operations team – Dan Porter, Almerinda Pollice, Hannah Harding and our new Policy Manager, Torie Brown.  I also wish to acknowledge the important ongoing contribution of my fellow Division Councillors who share my passion for our great State.  We will continue to lobby and advocate strongly for our property industry in 2017.

Finally, I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the recent sad passing of a good friend and loyal servant of the Property Council here in South Australia, Rocco Caruso.  Rocco, who was a partner at Piper Alderman for many years, was much loved and well known and his passing came as quite a shock right throughout our industry.  We once again extend our deepest condolences to his wife Maria and three children, to both the Caruso and Di Fava families, Rocco’s many clients, friends, and of course, his partners and work colleagues at Piper Alderman.     

On behalf of the Property Council team and Division Council, I’d like to wish everyone an enjoyable and safe Christmas and New Year break.