Tomorrow I’m addressing the 2023 Economic & Social Outlook Conference, The Australian’s annual policy forum with the University of Melbourne.
It is the first time we have had this opportunity and I’ll be joining the Greens’ Leader Adam Bandt MP, Professor Lisa Cameron, Melbourne Institute, and Nathan Dal Bon, CEO Housing Australia (formerly National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation), for a discussion about the way forward on housing.
I’ll champion well-planned cities as a booster for housing affordability. This will include the integral role of planned industrial and commercial land, the exciting prospects of more retirement living, purpose-built student accommodation, build-to-rent housing and the repurposing of existing buildings, as well as underlining the need for more pre-fabrication.
I’ll talk about energy efficiency, explore the downside of demand interventions (there are exceptions) and chart a path through the tax quagmire. Last but not least, I’ll ring the bell on the need for more skilled and unskilled labour into a market where big government and big energy projects mean steeply rising input costs.
It promises to be a vigorous contest of ideas.
Capital Markets Forum
Yesterday was our second ever Capital Markets Forum and a big thank you to our Division President Carmel Hourigan, our Council and everyone who planned and supported this great program.
It was a cracking day and night, high on insight and interaction. Particular thanks to our brilliant sponsors, generously led by Lewis Ingall and Beau at Heitman. Hat tip Alicia Barry, Ben Boyd, Ben Burston, Bernie Devine, Max Gordin, David Hagger, Beau Titchkosky, Kate Towey, Andrew Williams and Dean Winterton.
Girls in Property and Mentoring
Some great Melbourne-based reminders about the strength of our programs to grow and deepen the industry.
Last week it was Girls in Property, involving Canterbury Girls Secondary College, Carey Baptist Grammar School and Melbourne Girls’ College. Terrific program and guest speakers curated by our Victorian D&I committee, including emcees for the day Nick Ashton and Emily Wood, Harriet and Chloe from our Victorian team joined by Juliette our D&I Coordinator. A huge thanks to our excellent sponsors Winslow, and hosts on the day, Vicinity, at the Fashion Capital, Chadstone.
Tonight, I’m looking forward to thanking this year’s Victorian mentoring cohort at Citadines on Bourke.