Australians are adjusting to a ‘new normal’ in response to the coronavirus outbreak. The Property Council will continue to work tirelessly to support members through this unprecedented challenge says chief operating officer Kathy Mac Dermott.
“As a member-based organisation, we have always connected our industry and brought people together,” Mac Dermott says.
“The coronavirus outbreak is requiring us to reimagine the way we do that, but a strong, connected network has never been more important as Australians deal with the economic and social challenges ahead.
“Our industry is Australia’s biggest employer and will play a critical role in rebuilding and recovery once the immediate challenge of containing the virus has passed.
“Staying focused on supporting our members and their people through this period is our top priority.”
Mac Dermott says the Property Council is engaged on a range of fronts. The advocacy team is liaising daily with all three tiers of government on policy responses to the economic impact of coronavirus, for example.
“Our mission is to maintain jobs, prepare for the rebound and keep health security front of mind,” Mac Dermott says.
“We have excellent access to our leaders and are highly regarded as informed, solutions-focused advocates.”
Property Council staff are working from home, remaining focused on supporting members.
“Our army of committee members around the country are continuing to meet to inform and shape our policy.
“We’re talking to our membership every day to understand the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on their businesses and what governments need to do to help.
“Political leaders are reaching out to speak with us, and we’re providing advice to senior decision-makers across government using the on-the-ground experiences of our members in their sectors.”
Mac Dermott says maintaining the information flow is vital, “especially given the pace of change as governments respond to a rapidly-changing situation”.
“We are issuing immediate advocacy alerts and policy updates following every government decision, and convening specialist roundtables.
“We are also maintaining our strong, visible presence in the media to ensure the property industry’s voice continues to be heard on the critical issues,” Mac Dermott adds.
The Property Council is reshaping its events program to reflect the new operating environment including move to online live streaming.
The first of our online events kicks off on 1 April and is one the timely topic of resilience.
On 3 April, Property Council chief executive Ken Morrison will interview our industry leaders and board members: David Harrison, managing director and group CEO of Charter Hall, Carmel Hourigan, global head of real estate of AMP Capital.
“We are also migrating popular Academy courses to online options and our highly-valued 500 Women in Property sponsorship program is continuing with a series of online communications being developed to keep this cohort connected,” Mac Dermott says.
“It’s an incredibly challenging time, but we are all in this together and the Property Council is rising to this challenge.”