Property sector releases plan to ease WA’s jobless rate

The Property Council has announced its plan to create jobs and keep WA growing as the State’s unemployment rate reaches 6.4%, the highest in the country.

“All parties contesting the State election in March must have a solid plan to get people back into work, as our economy attempts to recover from the mining downturn,” Property Council WA Executive Lino Iacomella said.

“The incoming State government must address the issues facing industry that deters investment and stifles growth.

 “For too long, the mining industry was the sole focus of the government, now attention must turn to how the property industry can boost our economy and keep WA growing.

“The property sector is the nation’s second largest employer, more than mining and construction combined, it’s time the State government allowed the WA property industry to create more jobs and harness local talent.”

“WA is currently facing a shortage of unit developments. This is an excellent opportunity to create construction jobs and place the State ahead of demand to avoid a housing shortage.”

The property council has a range of policy initiatives to keep WA growing and create jobs including:

• Further reform of trading hours by permitting retailers to open earlier on Sundays

• Removing the stamp duty penalty for off-the-plan properties, which will boost construction jobs and allow people to live closer to work

• Reducing stamp duty costs for eligible seniors downsizing into new-build homes, will also create employment in the construction industry.

• Reforming strata laws to enable community title, will allow for better mixed use developments, bringing retail and hospitality jobs to what would have been residential-only developments.

‘The property industry is seeking commitments from all parties contesting the state election to create jobs and get our economy back on track,” Mr Iacomella said.