Home Property Leaders Summit Property Leaders’ Summit Program
3 – 4 June 2025 | Canberra
Tuesday 3 June 2025
Time
Session information
8:00am – 11:00am
Sponsored by
Golf Day & Clinic
Gold Creek Country Club
Join us for 9 holes on the green for a morning of networking, laughs and so much more. The Ambrose format allows for the seasoned pro, weekend warrior and inexperienced player to compete side by side in a team environment.
We are thrilled to be offering a golf clinic for members to learn from the pros, a great alternative to 9 holes if you’re brand new to the game or coming back after a break.
9:30am – 5:00pm
Registration
Hotel Realm
6:00pm – 7:30pm
Sponsored by
Welcome Cocktail Reception
National Gallery of Australia
A unique opportunity to make new connections and reconnect with friends and colleagues.
MC: Peter Menegazzo, Chief Executive officer, Investa and Capital Markets Division President, Property Council of Australia
Welcome by Carmel Hourigan, Chief Executive Officer, Office, Charter Hall Group and National President, Property Council of Australia
7:30pm – 9:45pm
Sponsored by
Welcome Dinner
National Gallery of Australia
Uncovering Truths: A Fireside Chat with Investigative Journalist Nick McKenzie
A sixteen-time winner of the Walkley Award, Australia’s highest journalism honour, and four time Australian Journalist of the Year, Nick McKenzie is a leading Australian investigative journalist who works for newspapers Melbourne’s The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald.
10:00pm – late
Sponsored by
The Last Word Networking Drinks
Enjoy a night cap or two with fellow delegates at Ostani Bar
Wednesday 4 June
Time
Session information
7:15am – 7:45am
Travel to Parliament House
7.45am – 8.45am
Sponsored by
Opening Political address
Opening Political address
MC: Antony Knep, Capital Markets Executive Director, Property Council of Australia
The Hon Julie Collins MP, Minister for Housing, Homelessness & Small Business
Moderator:
Torie Brown, Executive Director, Student Accommodation Council, Property Council of Australia
9:30am – 10:00am
Sponsored by
Session 2
In conversation with the Leader of the Opposition
The Hon Peter Dutton MP, Leader of the Opposition
Keynote address followed by Q&A
Interviewer:
Carmel Hourigan, Office CEO, Charter Hall
Session 1
Geopolitical Shifts and Their Impact on Global Real Estate Investment (Theatre)
In today’s world, geopolitical risks are playing an increasingly pivotal role in shaping global investment strategies, especially in real estate. This session will focus on the current landscape, exploring the direct effects of geopolitical risks on investment flows and decision-making.
Eric Cantor, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Moelis & Company
10:00am – 10:30am
Sponsored by
Session 2
Unlocking Productivity: The Key to Driving Investment Returns in Real Estate (Theatre)
In today’s rapidly evolving real estate market, productivity has become the cornerstone of sustainable growth and investment returns. From labour costs and working hours to global competitiveness and the impact of union activity, we will explore the dynamics at play and their implications for investment strategies in capital markets. Gain insights into optimizing operational efficiency, managing workforce challenges, and staying competitive globally to boost returns.
10:30am – 11:00am
Sponsored by
Session 3
Demographic Trends and Government Priorities (Theatre)
A sharp overview of the key demographic trends influencing the property market today. What are the government’s priorities for this term, and how do they align with broader political shifts? We’ll explore the new parliament’s policy landscape shaping the future of property.
Keynote:
Bernard Salt AM, columnist, speaker, business advisor and social commentator
11:00am – 11:40am
Morning Tea
Great Hall
11:40am – 12:10pm
Sponsored by
Session 4
Real Estate Development State of Play (Theatre)
Key challenges in real estate development in Australia today with a spotlight on construction costs, financing, labour costs, and productivity. How can we make the feasibility work across the board? What are the critical factors affecting profitability? What are the practical solutions to drive successful outcomes across the board?
Speakers:
Joanne Farrell, General Manager – ACT, Kane Constructions
Carmel Hourigan, Chief Executive Officer, Office, Charter Hall Group and National President, Property Council of Australia
Courtenay Smith, Chief Financial Officer, Mirvac
12:10pm – 12:40pm
Sponsored by
Session 5
Political Overview: Shaping the Future of Real Estate (Theatre)
Join Phillip Coorey, Political Editor at AFR, for an insider’s look at the political landscape, the new parliament’s composition, and key election commitments shaping policy direction. Gain valuable insights into how these developments will impact the sector in the years ahead.
12:40pm – 2:00pm
Sponsored by
Session 6
Lunch Political Address
Great Hall
2:00pm – 2:40pm
Sponsored by
Session 7
Investment in Data Centres: Seizing Opportunities in a Growing Sector (Theatre)
Data centres are emerging as a prime investment opportunity, with increasing interest from investors and fund managers. How big can this sector get, and what’s the growth potential? We’ll explore the capacity, key opportunities, and how Australia’s data centre market compares to global trends. Plus, we’ll examine the evolving uses of data centres and the long-term outlook for this vital asset class.
Panel:
James Kemp, Head of Real Estate – Asia-Pac, Macquarie Asset Management
2:40pm – 3:10pm
Sponsored by
Session 8
Real Estate Lending Landscape: Navigating Credit and Debt (Theatre)
With growing interest in credit and debt investments, what are the key risks and opportunities in the real estate lending market? This session will dive into the evolving debt landscape, explore the future of credit, and provide actionable insights on how to capitalise on emerging trends while managing risk in this critical sector.
Panel:
George Vallas, Head of Real Estate, Institutional Banking & Markets, Commonwealth Bank of Australia
Ling Yan Xu, Director, Real Estate Finance at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
Moderator: Andrew McCasker, Managing Director, Debt & Structured Finance, Pacific, CBRE
3:10pm – 3:50pm
Afternoon Tea
Great Hall
3:50pm – 4:30pm
Sponsored by
Session 9
Investment Perspectives (Theatre)
This session will explore the current and emerging themes that are shaping investment in Australian property markets. With a focus on the views of both local Australian super funds and international foreign investors, the conversation will offer insights into Australia’s role as an investment destination, its competitive advantages, challenges, and its evolving place in the global context. Key discussions will address why Australia continues to attract global capital and explore the reasons why some may be hesitant to invest in the Australian market.
Speakers:
Mark Lee, Senior Portfolio Manager – Head of Real Estate at Australian Retirement Trust
Aditya Bhargava, Head of Australia Pacific Real Estate, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA)
Charlene Huang, Head of APAC, Unified Global Alternatives – Real Estate, UBS Asset Management
Moderator: Deborah Coakley, Managing Director, Real Estate, QIC
4:30pm – 4:40pm
Session 10
Wrap-Up (Theatre)
Peter Menegazzo, Chief Executive officer, Investa and Capital Markets Division President, Property Council of Australia
4:40pm – 5:00pm
Travel to Hotel Realm
6:00pm – 6:30pm
Travel to Parliament House
6:30pm – 9:45pm
Sponsored by
Cocktail Reception & Property Leaders’ Dinner featuring Australian Property Hall of Fame inauguration
Close out the Property Leaders’ Summit with the Property Leaders’ Dinner.
Enjoy our final exclusive networking opportunity with fellow delegates and celebrate the 2024 inductees into the Australian Property Hall of Fame.
The Australian Property Hall of Fame honours individuals who have provided sustained leadership, made a pioneering contribution and left an outstanding legacy to the property industry and the Australian community.
In 2025, Sam Tarascio Senior will be inducted for their remarkable contribution to the industry and the Australian community.
9:45pm – 10:00pm
Travel to Hotel Realm
More information coming soon.
10:00pm
Sponsored by
Last Word Networking Drinks
Enjoy a night cap or two with fellow delegates at Ostani Bar
Principal Sponsor
Leading Sponsor
Major Sponsors
Technology Partner
