Last week we inducted two giants of our industry into the Australian Property Hall of Fame and celebrated the industry’s most successful new projects.
The late great John Roberts AO and the legendary Harry Triguboff AO were honoured for their massive contributions to our industry – and to Australia.
John, who established Multiplex in 1962, revolutionised the industry with his innovative approach to construction. He helped build Australia’s global reputation for excellence, and many landmarks both here and overseas stand testament to his ‘can do’ attitude.
Harry’s first apartment went up just a year after John got his start, and since then he has constructed more than 60,000 homes. It’s a stunning example of just how great the contribution of our industry is to the lives of all Australians. Harry’s apartments in great locations have helped many Aussies get their foot on the property ladder and build their wealth and security.
Both men embody what our industry offers the nation, often taken for granted which is why it’s so important that we celebrate their achievement with this award. Their legacy is one of homes, jobs and national prosperity. It’s a legacy we see in those outstanding new projects that won Innovation and Excellence Awards on Friday.
And it’s a legacy we are determined to defend. This is why the Property Council is campaigning hard against new moves to tax legitimate foreign investment into this country.
Australia was built on the back of foreign investment and this is underpinning our record-levels of new construction.
Applying the brake on this investment will jeopardise the legacy of John, Harry and other members of our Hall of Fame, and will prevent many from realising their own great Australian home-ownership dream.