The Property Council of Australia has announced the re-election of Carmel Hourigan as national president for the 2025/26 term.
Hourigan, CEO of Charter Hall Office, has 30 years of experience in real estate investment and leadership across public and private markets. She will continue to guide the council, which represents more than 2,500 member companies.
These members are instrumental in driving an industry that not only employs approximately 1.5 million Australians but also contributes more than 10% to the national GDP.
During the recent board meeting, significant leadership changes were enacted with Tarun Gupta, CEO of Stockland, and Deb Coakley, managing director of Real Estate at QIC, being appointed as deputy presidents. Michael O’Brien will assume the role of immediate past president.
These changes come at a pivotal time when the industry is poised to influence major federal policy decisions, particularly as Australians will head to the polls for the next federal election within the next three months.
The Property Council board, which began its two-year term in February, collaborates closely with division councils and members to establish advocacy priorities, policy positions, and budgeting frameworks.
Hourigan outlined the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the sector.
“This is a critical time for the Australian property industry,” she said. “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.”
She emphasised the need for policy advocacy in areas such as housing supply, affordable housing, skilled migration, planning reforms, and tax settings that favour investment.
Hourigan stressed the importance of addressing market capacity issues, labour shortages, and the complexities of the planning system to maintain the momentum of growth in the property sector.
“We must also address our deficits in market capacity, labour and our high-friction planning systems,” she said, underscoring the need for a streamlined regulatory environment to attract global investment.
Mike Zorbas, Property Council chief executive, expressed enthusiasm about continuing to work with Hourigan and the newly formed board.
“We are lucky to have the guidance of Carmel Hourigan as president and one of the country’s most experienced boards of directors,” Zorbas said.
He said the council was committed to advocating for a pro-cities, pro-investment agenda that aligns with the dynamic needs of Australia’s property markets.
