Economic growth hinges on strong property industry
The latest National Accounts, released in September, underscore the central importance of a strong property industry if Australia’s economy is to continue to grow, and make the case for reforms that will unlock more investment and job creation.
Property is already Australia’s biggest industry, contributing more to GDP than any other and directly employing 1.1 million people.
Property Council of Australia Chief Executive Ken Morrison said the property industry has the potential to deliver the economic gains the nation needs, but reforms are needed to realise that potential.
“The property industry, both residential and commercial, has underpinned economic growth but there is absolutely no room for complacency,” Mr Morrison says.
“We are starting to see some fluctuations in key building and construction data, which should serve as a warning to policy makers.
“Long overdue reforms, such as the removal of our worst taxes like stamp duty, must be implemented to allow the property industry to deliver the economic gains the nation needs.
“Governments need to get serious about improving planning and increasing the productivity of our cities, given that Australia is one of the most urbanised countries in the world.
“It is imperative that we maintain a high level of activity, particularly in the residential sector, because new supply is critically important if we are to improve housing affordability.
“Building approvals act as an early warning system – given the lag between approvals and completions, any drop off will be magnified when it comes to handing over the keys to new homes.
“Let’s not rest on our laurels but work together to accelerate the necessary reform processes to build a secure economic future for all Australians.”
Property touches the lives of all Australians, yet many people are unaware of the vital contribution the industry makes to jobs, retirement savings and to the strength of the Australian economy.
To counter this, we have embarked on our first ever public campaign to tell the industry’s story and make the case for letting property grow the economy.