16 November 2021
The Property Council of Australia has today welcomed the appointment of industry stalwart, Alison Quinn, as Chair of the Queensland Government’s Developer Review Panel, but has warned against the introduction of further regulation that will drive up costs for the industry.
The combination of the state’s success in its handling of the pandemic and Brisbane being named as an Olympic city has sparked investor interest in Queensland, explained Jen Williams, Queensland Executive Director of the Property Council of Australia.
“This is a time when the Queensland Government should be looking at introducing an investment roadmap to attract and retain capital in the state, rather than seeking out new ways to regulate Queensland’s biggest industry,” Ms Williams said
“Any move towards licensing developers risks investment and employment in Queensland.
“Should licensing be introduced, Queensland would be the only state in the country that licenses the development industry.
“While yet to see the final terms of reference, the scope of the Government’s review points to vague, unsupported concepts regarding ‘ethical behaviour’ and ‘work practices’.
“The Australian Government has undertaken a comprehensive review into building quality, with no recommendations being made regarding further regulation of the development industry.
“Likewise, the Queensland Government has recently implemented its own security of payment reforms to address identified issues across the supply chain of the building industry.
“There is no evidence being provided to demonstrate the significance of any issue the Review seeks to address, once again unfairly tarnishing the property industry.
“Without properly considered terms of reference for the Review and a thorough investigation into the impact of any recommendations, it also risks being counterproductive to achieving many of the Government’s broader aims, such as fast-tracking of housing supply.
“Over the coming weeks, the Property Council will be providing feedback directly to the Panel to assist in forming its recommendations to Government.”
