Member Events

Note: You must be logged in to access the linked content from this page

VIC MEETUP: Property Investors Call for Balanced Reforms Amid Rising Pressures

Melbourne, 21 May 2025 – The Property Investors Council of Australia (PICA) hosted a pivotal Information Sharing and Community Discussion event last night in Victoria , bringing together concerned property investors to unpack the ongoing legislative pressures reshaping the rental market and highlight the urgent need for balanced advocacy.

Led by PICA National Chair Ben Kingsley and MC Tim Graham, the evening centred on the mounting challenges landlords face in light of rapidly shifting tenancy laws, tightening compliance requirements, and a deteriorating narrative surrounding property investment in Australia.

“Property investors are continually portrayed as greedy, but in reality, we are private rental accommodation providers running small businesses that house 90% of the country’s rental population,” Kingsley stated. “It’s time we shift the narrative and recognise the social good we provide.”

With more than 140 tenancy legislation changes in Victoria alone, attendees raised deep concerns over overregulation, punitive fines, and the unintended consequences of tenant-centric reforms. Kingsley noted that despite the good intentions behind many changes, the pendulum has swung too far.

“Our job is to make sure the pendulum doesn’t swing too far in the opposite direction. We need to advocate from a balanced, evidence-based standpoint,” Kingsley added.

Tim Graham echoed these sentiments, pointing out the imbalance in how property investors are treated compared to other asset holders. “Nobody questions your right to own Tesla shares, but suddenly property investment comes with a burden of control and compliance that doesn’t apply to other investments,” he said.

One of the standout insights from the evening was the call to reframe the identity of property investors. “The ‘mum and dad investor’ language no longer passes the pub test. We are small business owners – and we deserve to be seen that way,” Kingsley emphasised.

The event also shed light on alarming data. Victoria alone has lost 24,848 rental properties over the past year, a clear response to unworkable legislation. “If you're going to make it hard for us to own real estate here, we'll take our money elsewhere. Right now, it feels like Victoria doesn’t want our money,” Graham commented.

The discussion concluded with a call to action for property investors to join PICA and actively engage in advocacy efforts, highlighting the collective power of the country’s 2.3 million property investors.

“PICA gives us a seat at the table. If we organise and stand up for ourselves, policymakers will have to listen,” said Kingsley.

You can listen to the event recording here.

2024 Events

December

2024 PICA AGM Thursday 12 December - More Info and register

November

We invite you to an important gathering of property investors and those interested in staying informed about the latest developments in the Australian property market. This event is designed for anyone who wants to better understand the evolving legislative and market landscape affecting property investments.

What to Expect
Tim Graham, General Manager of Hotspotting, and Ben Kingsley, National Chair of the Property Investors Council of Australia (PICA), will provide a comprehensive overview of the current property market, along with insights into the new laws and regulations impacting property investors in Victoria and across Australia.

Key Topics to Be Discussed:

No Grounds Eviction Amendments
Recent changes to the Residential Tenancies Bill have sparked conversations across the industry. What does this mean for landlords? We'll explore the implications of these amendments and how they might affect you as a property owner.
New Stamp Duty Concessions
The Allen Government has just announced new stamp duty concessions for off-the-plan units and townhouses. What does this mean for you?
Short Stay Levy Bill
With the introduction of the new Short Stay Levy Bill, property investors who operate short-term rental properties are facing new challenges. Tim and Ben will break down the bill and explain how it could influence the short-term rental market in Victoria.
Minimum Standards for Rental Properties and Rooming Houses
Proposed new minimum standards could lead to significant changes in how rental properties and rooming houses are maintained and managed. We'll discuss what these standards mean for property investors and what steps you may need to take to comply.
Market Overview and Investor Insights
In addition to legislative updates, we’ll provide an overview of the current property market, highlighting key trends, opportunities, and potential challenges facing investors in the coming months.
And much more

This meet-up offers a valuable chance to hear from industry experts, gain practical advice, and ask questions about the issues that matter most to you as a property investor.

Who Should Attend?

Whether you’re an experienced property investor, a new landlord, or someone considering getting into the property market, this event is for you. It’s also open to anyone interested in learning more about PICA and the benefits of becoming a member.

Event Details:

Date: Wednesday, November 13th, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Venue: Hotel New Bay - Function Room, 329 New St, Brighton VIC 3186
Cost: Free (Registration Required)

Basic canape's will be provided and drinks will be available at bar prices.

How to Register:
Tickets are free, but spaces are limited.

Why Attend?
This is more than just an information session—it's an opportunity to stay ahead of legislative changes and market shifts that could directly impact your investments. With expert analysis from two leading voices in the property investment industry, you’ll walk away with practical knowledge to help protect and grow your portfolio.

We look forward to welcoming you to the PICA Victoria Area Meet-Up for an evening of insightful discussion and networking.

Don't miss out on this valuable opportunity to stay informed and connect with your fellow property investors.

RSVP

October

PICA NSW Area Meet-Up: Western Sydney | South West

Thursday October 17, 2024
7:00pm to 8:30pm
Liverpool Catholic Club 424-458 Hoxton Park Road Prestons NSW 2170
Meet our NSW PICA Members Bill and Atiqul at the Main Entry Foyer at 6.45pm
RSVP

PICA NSW Area Meet-Up: Newcastle & surrounding areas

Wednesday October 23, 2024
5:30pm to 7:00pm
The Edwards 148 Parry St, Newcastle West NSW 2302
Meet our NSW PICA Members Adam and Nigel at the Main Entry Foyer at 5.15pm
RSVP

PICA NSW Area Meet-Up: Sydney CBD & surrounding areas

Wednesday October 30, 2024
6:00pm to 7:30pm
Verandah Bar 55/65 Elizabeth St, Sydney NSW 2000
Meet our NSW PICA Members Jennifer and Ash at the Entrance at 5.45pm
RSVP

June

Webinar: An Introduction to Wealth Creation through Residential Property Development - How To Profit From Small Deals In a Tough Market CLICK TO REGISTER

Webinar: The 101 of doing Small Scale Property Development

May

Webinar: Fact checking the misinformation. Negative gearing and CGT with Ben Kingsley

March

Webinar: Queensland Stage 2 Property Reform (Property Management) with Samara Bedwell.

February

Webinar: THE AUSTRALIAN PROPERTY MARKET IN 2024 WITH REBAA PRESIDENT, MELINDA JENNISON

2023 Events

December

PICA 2023 Annual General Meeting. Registration and Proxy forms.