Revenue windfall shows need for new property tax is based on myth
The Property Council of Australia is calling for the new retrospective vendor stamp duty to be scrapped in the wake of today’s revelations the NSW Government is sitting on a billion dollar revenue windfall. More information >>

Building Activity Peaked In December Quarter
The volume of building activity rose to near record highs in the December quarter 2003 but should not give any concern to the Reserve Bank, according to Master Builders Australia, the peak body for the building and construction industry.
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Lending To Rental Investors Continues To Fall
Demand among Australia 's property investors fell for a fourth consecutive month in February, adding further significant weight to the case for interest rates being left on hold. Investment lending for housing fell by 3.8 per cent and has dropped by a cummulative 29.2 per cent over the November 2003 – February 2004 period.
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Builders flat chat, but approvals just flat
The value of residential and non-residential building completed in the December quarter reached $12 billion but this is not likely to continue with signs that the residential sector is already slowing down.
New residential building work rose 6.1% with the alterations and additions category boosted by 3.9%. Non-residential building rose 6.3%.
All states and territories had increased activity except for Western Australia and the ACT. (Financial Review 20/04/04).

BASIX, the Building Sustainability Index
BASIX, the Building Sustainability Index, has been developed by the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources (DIPNR) to assess the potential environmental performance of a residential development using a web-based tool
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Statement provides a more competitive environment for industry
The Victorian Government's Economic Statement makes an important contribution to building a more competitive business environment in the State, Timothy Piper, Victorian Director of the Australian Industry Group, said this afternoon.
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Victorian Government cuts $1bn from Land Tax
The Victorian Government's economic plan will save business $1bn in Land Tax over the next five years. More information >>