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May 2025 Newsletter

HEY NEIGHBOUR!

As we head into a big week, there’s plenty happening both nationally and locally that has everyone talking. This Saturday, Australia goes to the polls for the highly anticipated federal election. Housing affordability, the rising cost of living, taxation, small business support, and the broader economy are all front and centre. No matter which way the votes fall, the hope is that whoever forms government will move beyond talk and take real, meaningful action to ease the pressures Australians are facing — particularly when it comes to everyday living costs and access to housing.

At a time when many families, renters, and property owners are feeling the squeeze, the decisions made in the months ahead will be crucial. We’ll be keeping a close eye on how the election outcome could impact the property market and what it might mean for you. 

Meanwhile, on a much brighter note, there’s something worth celebrating — Finally Carlton has woken up and is on a roll! With three straight wins (the first one last Saturday against decent opposition), the Blues are giving fans plenty to smile about.

Between election drama and on-field triumphs, it's a week packed with energy, hope, and the reminder that persistence pays off — whether on the footy field or in shaping the future of our country.

Wishing you a great week ahead — and of course, Go Blues!

Regards,

Carmela

MARKET INSIGHTS
We strive to stay up to date on the latest market trends. Here are a few articles we think are worth reading.

• Election 2025: Housing Policies in Focus (reia.com.au)

As the 3 May federal election approaches, the REIA has released its 7-Point Election Commitments: A Home for All Australians, highlighting priorities like boosting housing supply, improving affordability, and preparing for new regulatory reforms.

• • Coalition: Early super access for first-home buyers, mortgage tax offsets, small business deregulation.
  • Labor: Expanded shared equity schemes, $10B for 100,000 new homes, small business relief.
  • Greens: Rent freeze, major public housing investment, negative gearing and CGT reforms.

Housing is a key election issue — Download the REIA guide to make an informed vote!

• Labor’s tax on unrealised gains could wreck your retirement (afr.com)

Labor's proposed policy to tax unrealised gains in superannuation accounts over $3 million has sparked strong backlash ahead of the federal election. Investment leader Geoff Wilson criticises the plan not for its higher tax rate, but for taxing paper profits that haven’t been realised. He warns it could harm both Australia’s $4.2 trillion super system and the wider economy. The legislation has passed the House and will go to the Senate if Labor wins the election.

Key takeaways:

• • Unrealised gains aren’t real cash – taxing them could create liquidity issues for retirees and investors.
  • Economic distortion risks – retirees may be incentivised to shift wealth into their primary residence, further straining the housing market.
  • Massive financial downside – independent modelling estimates a staggering $94.5 billion deadweight loss per year, reducing national economic welfare.

• Culture and Politics: The Debate Over Welcome to Country Ceremonies (afr.com)

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s comment that Welcome to Country ceremonies are overused has ignited debate following the leaders' debate. With Indigenous issues becoming a political flashpoint post-Voice referendum, Dutton claims the practice may divide Australians. In contrast, Indigenous leaders and groups like Reconciliation Australia argue these ceremonies promote respect and unity, warning that dismissing them could fuel racism.

Key takeaways:

• • Shift in Political Tone – Dutton’s criticism and Albanese’s soft stance show a political retreat from strong Indigenous advocacy following the Voice referendum defeat.
  • Rising Cultural Division – Indigenous leaders warn the referendum failure emboldened racist rhetoric and turned Indigenous recognition into a front in Australia's culture wars.
  • Warning Against Further Division – Reconciliation advocates emphasise that Welcome to Country ceremonies foster respect and social cohesion—undermining them risks deepening national divides.

• Property Market Update: Auction Clearance Rates Dip to 2024 Lows (afr.com)

Australia’s property market is slowing, with auction clearance rates dropping to 64.2%—the lowest in 2024—amid election uncertainty and cost-of-living pressures. Brisbane saw its weakest rate in two years. While premium sales, like a $9.2 million Hunters Hill home, still draw interest, overall buyer sentiment has cooled since February’s rate cut, with many awaiting further economic or political clarity.

Key takeaways:

• • Weak Buyer Confidence –Uncertainty around the election, rates, and global instability is dampening demand across most capital cities.
  • Market Volatility – Auction activity remains soft, particularly in Brisbane, with cautious sellers favouring expressions of interest over auctions.
  • Waiting for Change – Many are hoping the election outcome or another RBA rate cut will kickstart renewed confidence in the property market.

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
What's new in your neighbourhood? These are a few recent updates that are happening in some of our local communities.

• Melbourne Record Fair - What's on Melbourne (25 May)

CAUGHT OUR ATTENTION
Here are a few things that members of our team have stumbled across over the month. Whether thought-provoking, interesting or entertaining, we want to share them with you.

• 'Your Garden – Our Future' Event - https://rotariansforbees.org/
  Hosted by Rotarians for Bees & Rotary Club of Canterbury | April 2025
  
  
  As part of Rotary's April theme of Environmental Protection and Sustainability, over 150 Rotarians and friends gathered at the Box Hill Golf Club for an inspiring evening celebrating community, pollinators, and the future of our environment. The event highlighted how gardens—large or small—can become sanctuaries for bees and other pollinators.