Corridors of Power – 1 September 2015
The National Reform Summit hears call to put city productivity on the national agenda, state and territory ministers agree to reducing asbestos risk and the Darwin City Master plan moves a step closer to finalisation. Stay up to date with all the latest government developments affecting the property industry here each week.
Last week’s National Reform Summit hosted, by the Australian Financial Review and The Australian, stimulated debate on key policy areas for the property industry including the productivity of our cities, tax reform and improved access to affordable and appropriate housing. It is hoped the summit will be a starting point for further work to drive economic growth.
On Friday Federal Employment Minister Senator Eric Abetz (pictured) launched the first national plan for asbestos safety and eradication following a meeting of state and territory ministers. The Minister said the plan will “result in coordinated effort across the country to reduce the deadly effects of asbestos on Australians, as well as help put Australia at the forefront of global efforts to deal with the deadly substance.”
The Federal Government has also scheduled its next regulation repeal day and invited submissions on the proposed amendments as part of its deregulation agenda.
The latest property related data releases from the Australian Bureau of Statistics have thrown up a bit of a mixed bag. Last Wednesday’s Construction Work Done release showed a 3 per cent fall in the value of new construction work on the previous quarter. Yesterday’s release showed Building Approvals data is climbing once again despite showing signs of moderating last month. The July figures were a 4.2 increase on June in seasonally adjusted terms.
In the Top End, the Department of Lands, Planning and the Environment is seeking comments on a proposal that will introduce the Darwin City Centre Masterplan (2015) into the NT Planning Scheme. The Property Council has welcomed the move saying “We need commitment from all tiers of Government, the private sector and the community to activate our CBD and to accommodate the expected population growth.”
In the nation’s capital, the Property Council has released new research prepared by KREAB Research confirming Canberrans want more investment in their city centre. ACT Director Catherine Carter said “While Canberrans want more frequent festivals, markets and events in our city centre, they understand our biggest opportunity is found in upgrading tired old buildings.”
And in Victoria the Property Council welcomed the Victorian Treasurer’s willingness to debate the merits of taking on additional state debt to reverse Victoria’s worsening infrastructure backlog. “We welcome a mature debate on the merits of increasing state debt to address Victoria’s infrastructure backlog,” said Victorian executive director Jennifer Cunich. “We also encourage all parties to consider alternative funding and finance mechanisms which can help convert infrastructure blueprints into much needed infrastructure projects.”