The Property Council is the peak industry body for the Australian property industry. The Property Council represents over 2,500 member companies that drive Australia's property sector, a key economic force employing almost one and a half million Australians and contributing over 10 per cent of our country's GDP.
At the Board meeting last night, Tarun Gupta, CEO of Stockland and Deb Coakley, Managing Director Real Estate QIC, were elected as Deputy Presidents and Michael O'Brien will take up his appointment as Immediate Past President.
Ms Hourigan said having a strong voice for the property industry is vital as we face a new Parliamentary term.
"This is a critical time for the Australian property industry. The next Federal Parliament must attract overseas investment to build our cities, and improve planning for industrial, commercial and housing assets to boost productivity, affordability and household wealth.
"As a key voice in the housing debate, we will champion policies that boost supply and affordable housing, targeted skilled migration, planning reforms, infrastructure funding and investment-friendly tax settings.
"Australia has many reasons to welcome global investment, but our complex and inconsistent regulatory and tax systems sometimes get in the way.
"We must also address our deficits in market capacity, labour and our high-friction planning systems.
"As an industry, we remain energised to advocate for impactful solutions that enable growth and create the greatest benefits to the quality of life of all Australians. I look forward to working with the Property Council, industry leaders, and all levels of government to deliver meaningful progress," she said.
Ms Hourigan has over 30 years of real estate investment experience, leading funds management across public and private markets. She oversees a $27 billion portfolio as Office CEO at Charter Hall. Her past roles include Global Head of Real Estate at AMP Capital, CIO at The GPT Group, and Head of Investment Management at Lendlease.
Property Council Chief Executive Mike Zorbas said he is delighted to work with Ms Hourigan and the wider Board for the next term.
"We are lucky to have the guidance of Carmel Hourigan as President and one of the country's most experienced boards of directors," Mr Zorbas said.
"These leaders understand Australia's property markets from top to bottom across all property asset classes.
"We will work with the Board and continue to use our strong national voice to drive a pro-cities, pro-investment agenda," he said.
