CEO report
Gil King REIV CEO
This issue of the EA comes at the close of a financial year that’s been one of the most unusual we have ever experienced. I am incredibly proud of the work done by our members and the REIV team. The market performance recorded over the past 12 months is proof that the industry never missed a beat, you kept your focus on the job at hand and achieved great results in difficult times. I take this opportunity to thank Leah Calnan, who has done an incredible job over the past two years. It’s been
REIV membership is a mark of credibility, trustworthiness, and professionalism.
6 | THE ESTATE AGENT – AUGUST 2021
As I write this update Victoria has been plunged into another hard lockdown. Like most of you, every lockdown announcement brings with it mixed feelings and new challenges.
a challenging time, but it has built our resolve to work together, no matter what the circumstances are. The policy and advocacy agenda for the REIV continues to evolve and expand. While in most cases the REIV has opportunity to provide feedback and influence some policy decisions, often the government springs a surprise on the sector. The 2021/ 22 state budget announcement was one such example. The REIV worked with other kindred bodies Property Council, HIA, UDIA and
MBA to strongly oppose the changes to land tax, stamp duty and the windfall gains tax. I believe the government’s strategy of relying on inefficient taxes like the land tax to bring the budget back to black is flawed. The REIV continues to voice its opposition to the current property taxation system and advocate for a complete overhaul. The RTA changes have dominated a lot of policy discussions in recent times. Months into the new legislation, we received answers to some of our
