Developer-builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/dasco-australia">DASCO</a> has pushed beyond the now-standard inclusions of rooftop pools and landscaped podiums at its recently launched new Epping project, Senso.

It has laid out over 4,000 sqm of resident-only amenity in a move designed to compete directly with low-density housing on livability, not just density. The result is a development that supports genuine daily use through purposeful spaces distributed across its five-building, 479-apartment precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134954 project_image_fid=4396]

Two rooftop pools form the anchor of Senso. One is a 27-metre lap pool adjoining a heated spa, designed for everyday fitness rather than just summer leisure. The second sits on a lower podium, allowing different buildings to share in vertical access and reducing crowding during peak times.

It is the secondary spaces that start to distinguish Senso from other large-scale suburban projects. A rooftop cinema is integrated into a landscaped terrace, offering open-air screenings with natural ventilation and passive cooling.&nbsp;

The inclusion of a “sensory walk”, an elevated boardwalk that threads through the site, suggests a rare investment in non-commercial, non-essential amenity: space for quiet movement that doesn’t double as access or traffic circulation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134954 project_image_fid=4402]

The gym and wellness centre, often relegated to a small ground-floor room in many builds, takes on more substance here. Residents have access to a fully equipped gym, as well as outdoor yoga areas and meditative zones that integrate greenery and natural light.&nbsp;

The Club Lounge is similarly designed to support multiple use cases, with a private dining terrace, kitchenette, workspace, and lockable wine storage. These aren’t superficial additions; their scale and spatial allocation indicate serious intent for frequent resident use.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134954 project_image_fid=4391]

Importantly, Senso’s amenities are embedded within a site that spans more than 10,000 sqm, allowing for better separation between spaces and reduced noise spillover, a critical but often overlooked factor in high-density developments. This spatial generosity also enables multiple alfresco kitchens and communal terraces without compromising individual privacy or usable space.

While many developments make claims about lifestyle, few back it with this level of built infrastructure. Senso’s mix of dedicated fitness, wellness, social and passive green spaces suggests a conscious response to the post-pandemic shift in housing expectations, especially among owner-occupiers.&nbsp;

DASCO is one of several leading developers who have taken out Resilience Insurance's Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing buyers with a 10-year structural and waterproofing warranty, and giving them the ultimate peace of mind.

Senso is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134954]

Staff Writer

The outdoor amenities elevating life at Senso, Epping

Following the proposal by the Minns Labor Government to rezone Parramatta Road to create up to 8,000 new homes, prominent developer Ceerose has gone to the NSW Gov to increase the density of its new mixed-use residential building in Leichhardt.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/ceerose">Ceerose</a>, founded by Edward Doueihi nearly three decades ago, has filed plans for 154 apartments above ground-floor retail at 307-315 Parramatta Road, a key corner site near Norton Street, the main high street strip in Leichhardt.

It's an upsize from the previously approved scheme of 63 apartments across a seven-storey building.

<img alt="Ceerose" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ba1ae75b-5f08-43fb-b8d5-3de6d9f6ef71" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-04%20at%2010.31.39%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=yA3hBBLPH4ev7MsAE0_hieXeqiFqBUb7" />

The project is being advanced through the State Significant Development (SSD) pathway, with concurrent rezoning sought to facilitate the proposal. The 10-storey development would rise over a four-level basement and deliver two retail tenancies, one a larger-format offering and the other a smaller “hole in the wall” space, addressing the Parramatta Road frontage. 21 of the apartments are dedicated as affordable housing.

According to the Urban Design Report by Architecture AND, the scheme includes a podium and tower configuration, with a fine-grain, two-storey parapet street wall that references the traditional shopfront rhythm along the corridor. “An elegant tower form is proposed, combined with a characterful two storey frontage... articulating it as two related buildings, providing consistency with the rhythm and grain of Parramatta Road,” the report notes.

The residential component is split across two slender towers set back from the street edge, a design move aimed at preserving solar access and reducing perceived bulk. This massing strategy also seeks to improve residential amenity by focusing scale toward the quieter northern interface, away from Parramatta Road’s noise and pollution.

<img alt="Ceerose" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="347f2f8f-5d36-4388-b40a-2e77380b9c19" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-04%20at%2010.31.02%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=xvyUE2ujT1lzivXTo.mHBJFF4SmfgLtz" />

Architecture AND has worked with Ceerose on previous Inner West projects, and cites a deep familiarity with the local character. Their design draws heavily on context, heritage, and sunlight access considerations, and engages with the Inner West Council’s “Our Fairer Future” strategic planning framework.

The site spans 2,712 sqm and is located near key intersections with Catherine Street, Hay Street, and Redmond Street. It adjoins a public carpark to the north and is within walking distance of Stanmore and Petersham stations. It is also flagged in state and local planning strategies, including the Parramatta Road Corridor Urban Transformation Strategy, as a suitable candidate for increased density.

Ceerose recently completed The Alex Collective on McEvoy Street in Alexandria, Abbie's Lane in Annandale, and the award-winning Munro House in Elizabeth Bay.

The Parramatta Road corridor is coming to life with the proposed rezoning which is serviced by a significant number of bus, light rail and train routes.

Deicorp is progressing with its $1.8 billion <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kings-bay-village-five-dock-53-75-queens-road-five-dock-nsw-2046">Kings Bay Village</a> precinct on Parramatta Road in Five Dock, as is <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/toga-to-push-on-with-five-dock-mixed-use-masterplan">TOGA further down the street</a>. Those two projects alone will bring nearly 2,000 new homes to Parramatta Road.

Joel Robinson

First look: Ceerose plots mixed-use Leichhardt development on Parramatta Road

North Sydney's landmark 'SBS Building' on Alfred Street is set to be demolished to make way for a new mixed-use residential tower in the booming North Sydney.

Commercial property group FiveX is behind the plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/275-alfred-street-north-north-sydney-nsw-2060">39-storey tower</a>, the latest project to advance under the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

They are proposing 184 apartments above retail spaces, which will replace the existing 20-storey commercial building. FiveX was set up more than five decades ago by Joshua and Marko Berger. It is currently led by Joshua's son Lesli.&nbsp;

<img alt="First look: Fivex plans 39-storey residential tower at 275 Alfred Street, North Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2efa0980-53fa-4cca-9f9e-9c3c845d4746" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29%20%281%29_0.png?VersionId=y_YyPMq3NQLfYRs84pP4os9UgWiMLp75" />

According to the Architectural Design Report by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fjc-studio">FJC Studio</a>, the slender tower form has been deliberately designed to respect the site's transitional setting at the southern gateway to the North Sydney CBD, where high-rise towers give way to lower-scale residential precincts.

"The slender tower form and articulated podium establish a respectful relationship with nearby heritage and low rise buildings, including the Whaling Road Heritage Conservation Area,” the architecture firm noted, adding that the tower “completes a missing link in the urban fabric” while enhancing the Alfred Street streetscape.

The proposed building will include a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, with 15 percent of the gross residential floor area allocated as affordable housing. There is an agreement already in place that those apartments will be managed by Evolve Housing.

The project aligns with broader state housing objectives, including the National Housing Accord target of delivering 1.2 million new homes by 2029. The Scoping Report filed with the State Significant Development Application (SSDA) suggests the site "presents no impediments to rapid delivery,” with construction able to commence within 12 months of receiving consent.

North Sydney has been one of the most popular suburbs in Sydney for new and off the plan apartment development, but hasn't had the supply to keep up with demand, until recently.

AURA by Aqualand was, for a long time, the only off the plan apartment building on the market. That completed last year, and has sold the majority of its 386 luxury apartments. Recently ALAND launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-173-179-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a> on the same street, selling over $100 million within just a few hours of its launch, while developer CASA also launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-mclaren-north-sydney-45-mclaren-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The McLaren</a>&nbsp;in the same precinct.

First look: Fivex plans 39-storey residential tower in booming North Sydney

Kokoda Property Group has announced the Sydney-based Versatile Construction as the builder for its landmark $1.5 billion <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a> precinct.

Construction of the 17,612 sqm site is scheduled to commence in December 2025 and is expected to be delivered in stages from 2028. Once complete, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a> will comprise 212 residences across four architecturally distinct buildings, alongside Brisbane’s first Kimpton Hotel, extensive retail, hospitality, and wellness amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139896 project_image_fid=295098]

Kokoda Property Group Founder and Managing Director, Mark Stevens, said appointing Versatile Construction marks a significant milestone for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a>.

“Partnering with Versatile Construction gives us confidence in delivering a precinct that sets a new benchmark for luxury living, curated experiences and vibrant riverfront activation," Stevens said.

"Together, we will bring the vision for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a> to life, creating a destination that residents and visitors will enjoy for generations."

Throughout the construction phase, more than 2,000 jobs will be created, supporting hundreds of local contractors and suppliers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139896 project_image_fid=352274]

Marco Fahd, Chairman &amp; CEO at Versatile Group, said the company is looking forward to&nbsp;expanding their footprint in the state, taking on their inaugural project in Brisbane.

"We are proud of the unwavering commitment our team of experts have to quality and certainty in delivery and are excited to work with Kokoda to bring their vision for this unique project to life," Fahd says.

Sales reached $285 million on the launch of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a>, with sales momentum continuing to "exceed all expectations."

Stevens says the overwhelming response from buyers validated the group’s vision for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a>.

“The demand for a luxury product in this enclave has been extraordinary, we’ve never seen anything like it before. It reinforces everything we’re doing around quality, design, and creating genuine lifestyle precincts. Buyers are recognising the enduring value of Brisbane’s riverfront and are responding to the opportunity to live within a world-class destination that celebrates both place and lifestyle.”

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=139896]

Kokoda appoints builder for $1.5 billion Teneriffe Banks waterfront precinct

Castle Hill’s booming development market is set for another boost, with builder-developer Buildex proposing a new mid-rise apartment building near Castle Towers.

Buildex has submitted plans to The Hills Shire Council for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/197-old-northern-road-castle-hill-nsw-2154">nine-storey building comprising 57 apartments</a> on Old Northern Road. The company acquired two adjoining sites earlier this year, totalling more than 2,683 sqm.

Texco Design has prepared the scheme, which includes five one-bed plus study apartments, 37 two-bedrooms, and 15 three-bedrooms.

Castle Hill has become a hotspot for developers in recent years, undergoing significant transformation driven by the opening of the Hills Showground Precinct to development and the introduction of two metro stations servicing the suburb.

Developers including Deicorp and Kassis Homes have already completed projects, and are progressing future developments, while Meriton, Arada, and Ellipse are currently delivering new projects in the rapidly evolving area.

First look: Buildex plans 57 apartments near Castle Towers

Donation

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EXPERT OBSERVER
As Sydneysiders start to feel the effects of the bushfires ravaging the state, blame is being thrown at their government for their past inaction. 
Ex-NSW Fire Commissioner, Phil Koperberg has the view that adding more resources to try and put the fires out is no longer enough and fears that we will end up in a situation similar to California, with wildfires burning the entire year.
Technically, the NSW fire season has not started, but we have already lost 1.5 million hectares of land, over 600 homes and tragically six lives.  Politicians don’t seem to be talking about the causes of the fires, or what measures they plan on taking to stop history repeating itself. 
The fires have been attributed to the amount of combustible fuel.  How we fix this is something that the government needs to start talking about and seeking help from farmers, scientists and land managers for solutions. 
Scott Morrison needs to stop ignoring climate change or risk a storm of activism that will make the Extinction rebellion look like a storm in a teacup.
The business community need to start factoring climate change into their planning, investment and statements. 
As a community, businesses need to let our leaders know that their lack of action is not okay.  All NSW and national businesses need to start thinking about what practical assistance they can offer to our community. 
Let’s follow the examples of what the locals are doing.  Small businesses, like the Hotel Motel 5 in South Grafton, are opening their doors to firefighters, evacuees and the general community with food and accommodation (even if its just some space to pitch your swag). 
The Turramurra Sikh Temple opened their doors and fed firefighters after they brought an emergency level fire back under control and locals in Nana Glen, NSW have opened their homes to help with food and a place to rest. 
Its great to see local support, but as the fires come closer to the capital, Sydney based businesses need to take a stand and start to see where they can help.  Its amazing what we can be achieved if everybody pitches in and provides support where they can straight away.   
Zaki Ameer, owner of <a href="http://links.erelease.com.au/wf/click?upn=5eYQ-2B9hvLjY4F2EakWBi1VNQAeGJ2PBZe-2BSGHchxLQ2rGhxzMnPlmtHbjinSnApa_8oxW4HKyAHmpsFLR5-2FCi0zLZoqi6m6swTYqWA9E8RqQzCkV5PsZ2l-2FGgLay-2FSXrmuYDN6mqfcTeSxB3SVH6aK89Ft-2FrJ7bdbO2T8ZTPY-2FjolESiy57gJaWcb5ECD6SvoWz027JgszSfH-2F6pGb8GpFM2-2B-2Bf7-2FnaVRi7KRpIMIU3pCq63M7rdehit5MQx8Agxrwbwu8Is9AKnsvFO-2BIJkoz-2BNJwRxYyCultKFMFBTdX21zVR0qH2-2FIRsqBXS9-2BA4uCSoFOckyXA-2Bo2f6fc1VgbhQ-3D-3D" target="_blank">Dream Design Property</a> (DDP), has pledged to donate $30 000 to help one of the bushfire victims rebuild their property.  
“Its about giving something back and showing our support.  Every little bit helps, which is why we are donating one of our $30 000 commissions to help a bushfire victim start rebuilding,” said Ameer.
While not every business has the same resources to donate as <a href="http://links.erelease.com.au/wf/click?upn=5eYQ-2B9hvLjY4F2EakWBi1VNQAeGJ2PBZe-2BSGHchxLQ2rGhxzMnPlmtHbjinSnApa_8oxW4HKyAHmpsFLR5-2FCi0zLZoqi6m6swTYqWA9E8RqQzCkV5PsZ2l-2FGgLay-2FSXrmuYDN6mqfcTeSxB3SVH6aKze7HSOc9njxTMmtLNSmzrGR3GfM0U7E4xH59OOxv4nU2ztlsEKWQhzv8yp-2ByeDyzIf-2Fwl5HMeEeDaWv7hXpgYqbWZIOi2hBn4k9qD-2FvsHVzgsWJk7Mg3QSGFG-2BLj0yrsYLr-2Fr0ZQ8rLUJVOlSFKtxYziYfpQoFfmRmeWsltu-2BZmrBWCcawUK3Pa5BYnau81Pg-3D-3D" target="_blank">DDP</a>, there are plenty of organisations that you can donate to, including the <a href="http://links.erelease.com.au/wf/click?upn=SfOYCTaG4gCrrf4kRWMgg-2Bc7h68PB00UxEzrRaBw8IQxP-2Bo1X1iuk7jvmKFGAVX5_8oxW4HKyAHmpsFLR5-2FCi0zLZoqi6m6swTYqWA9E8RqQzCkV5PsZ2l-2FGgLay-2FSXrmuYDN6mqfcTeSxB3SVH6aK3Dg8d8uCSSrzSEvm8GD-2F3RsVkXB-2FzeArzTRS4uxL1mmUNm1P7LEOFnIlwe8aVO4zTEYBidLREhHTCr56KuIU2-2FO0BZaiap24B5ip60w2zLwO-2FuqbniUjmTL5YFwqZovEIR0ab8-2Bur5xifx1hv3lPKPdgrZJOFD3kvd9wR2CNt3Iwu-2BRBowUXtxb0XwPqyg0ew-3D-3D" target="_blank">Rotary Club Appeal</a>, <a href="http://links.erelease.com.au/wf/click?upn=wZZnWHZWsJqffe5F-2BDsjCmB-2F0nd2Qc0O-2B64sYh1LUenxTasYx25y3X678tmdEygpY2L3hrbkq8z0oEL-2BvrfdS5hfUhu21V-2F70jhPCWsXXy-2FoIuxYR7SVQKUxMVQwNdNmtbyTeNPDEOWUUEg8XcHRS2lRAACo2ZY-2F2csvD5ck9JrBEjB4q5BEgt89IgY2JOmSrKLxyXJAFBQAcNupPDakQA-3D-3D_8oxW4HKyAHmpsFLR5-2FCi0zLZoqi6m6swTYqWA9E8RqQzCkV5PsZ2l-2FGgLay-2FSXrmuYDN6mqfcTeSxB3SVH6aKwvxt4o6Es615vGa21MCDxb7-2BrSl-2FIdxBVxO79ByW5u1FDXV2OPeIVkLohS1NIlFSTGC1DC-2BdtsBLFKU6cF-2BxYQ35pudWq-2FWadrrvjwloQ05rIRBArNk7VwdSNqxDi5-2ByDZb-2Bb1jp3tjl9U2Xt65Ctw-2FNYMQUjRJd8CI1-2FvunWzxfMB-2BfL6fKVn-2F5Eb9a5BsDw-3D-3D" target="_blank">NSW Rural Fire Service</a>, <a href="http://links.erelease.com.au/wf/click?upn=5eYQ-2B9hvLjY4F2EakWBi1Ts8w99odRI7RxHuHgJlWYL7Hw3O-2BPkir2VytdUKYF9YcRV9yX2ntFmv7KCcmWfheJx9-2FOpus5kozYYgeQ8WGzvXN8PsHMRlIqneM2wrWkyW_8oxW4HKyAHmpsFLR5-2FCi0zLZoqi6m6swTYqWA9E8RqQzCkV5PsZ2l-2FGgLay-2FSXrmuYDN6mqfcTeSxB3SVH6aK3vAYZsymacJkfwlEBZxd-2FOKBvefytZXoOfme8IazC8uAN1AnwohMx3WVHmGXLm1BnwWCabIxh4HSizSryLXQ27xsm7Zpt967UNG7rFPofTZpEF9vHlBdZeymyU2J0YqXAsszvJqr-2BRMURV2FfLkb2VVfjn43QPYALkERuLVI-2FzmI19vgSRdrBlurV41vLztLQ-3D-3D" target="_blank">Australian Red Cross</a>, <a href="http://links.erelease.com.au/wf/click?upn=5eYQ-2B9hvLjY4F2EakWBi1TwIjUc7xFT2F024JCxIHKBDyE3G7KEkY8X1tayx9thvkrLT0LXh9gz-2BDkr0nFADB3RRs8lVPM0CQgl3exTVGViNq2iimcd73HYmRf68htLLcqJCI5cOYXkunmyyskK6Cw-3D-3D_8oxW4HKyAHmpsFLR5-2FCi0zLZoqi6m6swTYqWA9E8RqQzCkV5PsZ2l-2FGgLay-2FSXrmuYDN6mqfcTeSxB3SVH6aK1qAQm3NQ8NaEsQM8-2BFbld28QzGSaHVjH6gKO43meGMVr-2FAfLTztKqHRTxri2YrN6cQFi-2FjR0PA7y0ju82PaDvXK5TB7je3twLRlz7N2t04dVEsSW1t6rYreHEI8vFda1uq9nKLcT638z-2BqfqywHrFXQE8-2FRSY-2BvlGld4wnYlRXK99c7Y4EqvcOUzodLp31Q3A-3D-3D" target="_blank">Salvation Army</a> and <a href="http://links.erelease.com.au/wf/click?upn=EV-2FGMCC2NwdodbE9J-2BZQJWxu6DUWP8BvbRRT6i69hLU-3D_8oxW4HKyAHmpsFLR5-2FCi0zLZoqi6m6swTYqWA9E8RqQzCkV5PsZ2l-2FGgLay-2FSXrmuYDN6mqfcTeSxB3SVH6aK0PCTzllnHWMp6StbTXMw71-2BYcbSy-2FgQaLi1ca1B7ETm70Jsfe3DzUmsvZCo-2F1jbgq1um-2B67wSDIQW0kJYQSBmH-2BJrJOrfavF-2FfvIa8mFwQ-2FG8u1W9w04zv7UTGKjrrTyfmdc1xUR-2B50ob0VKHQ3-2BoWxyqibN4xaMQ5E4RWC-2BMoW0EcudLnVIbtBIYSW64NC2A-3D-3D" target="_blank">St Vincent De Paul</a>. 
Zaki Ameer is the owner of DDP and <a href="https://www.ddpproperty.com.au/zaki-ameer" target="_blank">can be contacted here</a>.
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

DDP Property owner Zaki Ameer donates $30,000 to help a bushfire victim rebuild their home

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Local community groups have teamed up with corporate partners to build a house in just 21 days – with all profits to go to charity.
The fourth instalment of Build for a Cure helps mark Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
All materials, labour and furnishings, as well as the land itself, have been donated to the cause.
The Children’s Cancer Institute, McDonald Jones Homes, McCloy Group, and Austral Bricks are among the entities that have joined forces to help out on the home build in The Bower estate in Medowie in the Hunter region.
Others include Freedom, Fisher &amp; Paykel, Winning, PRDNationwide, the Kurri Rotary Club and the John Hunter Children’s Hospital.
The home, which is being constructed between August 27 and September 16, is set to go to auction on October 21.
The home and its contents will be auctioned off with all proceeds going towards funding further research at the Children’s Cancer Institute.
Build for a Cure has raised more than $2 million so far, said the Executive Director of the Children’s Cancer Institute, Michelle Haber.
"Children's Cancer Institute exists purely to put an end to childhood cancer,” Haber said.
“950 Australian children are diagnosed with cancer every year with 50 of those children hailing from the Hunter Region in spite of significant advances in survival rates still three children are dying from cancer each week in Australia, we won’t stop until this number is zero.
“Our goal is to save the lives of all children with cancer and improve their long-term health through research.”
Build for a Cure Ambassador, Scott Cam, is excited for this year’s build to commence.
“It’s not every day you see an entire house built in just 21 days. It’s remarkable to see the hundreds of volunteer that work together to make this happen. On day one of the build we start with just a slab and by sunset all of the framework is up and roof truss on,” Cam said.
“The Build for a Cure home is the ultimate package. It’s a masterfully-built home, finished with professional interior design, immaculate landscaping and high-quality appliances all set in the beautiful Hunter region suburb of Medowie.”
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Build for a Cure fights cancer with 21-day entire home build

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Australians should be able to see who donates to political parties, but our political donations laws fall far short of this ideal. Recent reforms in New South Wales and Victoria mean that voters will have much better information about who is donating. But when it comes to donations at the federal level, voters remain largely in the dark.
Money in politics is regulated to reduce the risk of interest groups “buying” influence. Explicit quid pro quo is probably rare: as the saying goes, “you never bribe someone when you need them”. But the risk is in more subtle influence: that donors get more access to policymakers, or their views are given more weight.
Publishing information about larger donors creates a public check on this behaviour. Voters are able to see who political parties rely on for funding, and MPs are more accountable for their subsequent decisions.
States are improving transparency
The trend in the states is promising. Victoria and NSW both increased the transparency of political donations last month.
In Victoria, donations of $1,000 or more will have to be disclosed to the Victorian Electoral Commission within 21 days. Anonymous donations of $1,000 or more are banned. Victoria even capped donations at $4,000 and increased public funding for election campaigns, which might help reduce the reliance of parties on larger contributions (but also comes with other risks).
NSW’s already extensive donations regime was tightened from July 1 this year. NSW political parties are now required to disclose donations of $1,000 or more within 21 days during election campaigns (as in Victoria), and within six months otherwise.
When it comes to transparency, Queensland does one better: the 2017 state election was Australia’s first with “real time” disclosure. Donations of $1,000 or more are lodged through an online portal and are made public within seven working days. The Queensland Electoral Commission even provides interactive maps of donations by electorate.
Most other states also have decent disclosure requirements. In South Australia, parties are required to disclose donations of $5,310 or more every seven days during an election period (and every six months otherwise). The disclosure threshold in Western Australia is $2,300.
Tasmania is the only state with disclosure laws as weak as the Commonwealth’s.
These laws mean voters can know, before they go to the ballot box, who is funding parties’ election campaigns.
The Commonwealth has a long way to go
The states are taking political donations reform seriously – and that’s a good thing. But state reforms are limited by state boundaries. Until the Commonwealth catches up, we won’t be able to “follow the money” across all jurisdictions.
Under Commonwealth regulations, it can take up to 19 months for donations to be made public. That’s why Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s $1.75 million donation to the Liberal Party in the lead-up to the 2016 election was not officially made public until the start of this year.
Only donations of more than $13,800 are required to be disclosed. And there is no requirement to aggregate donations, which means an individual donor can make a series of donations below $13,800 without disclosure.
The result is a huge amount of money in the federal system that we know nothing about. Parties received more than $100 million from undisclosed sources in the two financial years spanning the 2016 federal election. Without this information, it is difficult for public scrutiny to provide a “check” on the possibility of donor influence.
Some of this money no doubt came from “mum and dad” donors contributing $100 to their preferred party. But some is probably the result of “donations splitting”, where people or organisations make multiple donations below the threshold. Some might also be income from fundraising dinners and business forums, for which attendees pay thousands for an opportunity to “bend the ear” of elected representatives.
Donations can also be filtered through associated entities of the parties. This makes money (and influence) even more difficult to track. These entities – unions, investment funds, or fundraising organisations – occasionally frustrate donations restrictions by taking money on behalf of “their” party.
In a particularly egregious case, investigations uncovered that hundreds of thousands of dollars in unlawful donations had filtered into NSW Liberal Party accounts through a federal associated entity.
Let the sun shine in
Growing public cynicism about special interest influence is partly born of secrecy. Simple changes could vastly improve what we know about money flowing to Commonwealth political parties.
The disclosure threshold should be lowered as the states have done. The current threshold of $13,800 is well above the amount that a regular voter could afford to contribute to a political cause. A lower threshold of around $5,000 would still protect the privacy of small donors while improving transparency and accountability.
Disclosure of donations should be much quicker. Queensland and South Australia now have “real time” disclosure during elections; the Commonwealth can clearly do better than a 19-month turn-around. Disclosure within three weeks – as in NSW and Victoria – would be far superior to the current system.

The states’ political donations laws aren’t perfect, but they are heading in the right direction. It’s time for Canberra to catch up.
Carmela Chivers, Associate, Grattan Institute
Danielle Wood, Program Director, Budget Policy and Institutions, Grattan Institute
Kate Griffiths, Senior Associate, Grattan Institute
This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/time-for-the-federal-government-to-catch-up-on-political-donations-reform-100822" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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Time for the federal government to catch up on political donations reform: Grattan Institute

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RE/MAX Australia franchise development manager Jeff Williams and chief executive officer of Australian Property Finance Nathan Swain have signed up for ‘Wax for a Wish’ with proceeds going to Make-A-Wish Australia. 
The first waxing will be held in the RE/MAX Australia training room at the Milton, Brisbane head office and broadcast live via Facebook.
Aimee Doherty, RE/MAX Australia marketing manager said she will be be asking Nathan and Jeff to each nominate two RE/MAX members to ‘Wax for a Wish’. 
“We think a few moments of wax-induced pain to help make wishes come true for children and teenagers battling life-threatening medical conditions is a very worthy cause,” she said.
“Two Queensland offices, RE/MAX Advantage and RE/MAX Regency, have immediately come on board and by Christmas I expect there will have been widespread involvement across the network.”
Donations are welcome via the Everyday Hero page here: <a href="https://mail-track.everydayhero.com/track/click/30190481/waxforawish2016.everydayhero.com?p=eyJzIjoiTXZHUW54VHV2MERoWjNQaGxQYmNhOFJ0cld3IiwidiI6MSwicCI6IntcInVcIjozMDE5MDQ4MSxcInZcIjoxLFwidXJsXCI6XCJodHRwczpcXFwvXFxcL3dheGZvcmF3aXNoMjAxNi5ldmVyeWRheWhlcm8uY29tXFxcL2F1XFxcL3JlLW1heC1hdXN0cmFsaWFcIixcImlkXCI6XCJmNDIwNmEyNWFmMzU0NTA0ODYxOTBiNGIzZmNiNzE5OFwiLFwidXJsX2lkc1wiOltcImRjNjM5ZDcxODc5MzkwNmNjZTQ1ODgyMzNjNGJkODJlMDYzNmM0NjRcIl19In0" target="_blank">https://waxforawish2016.everydayhero.com/au/re-max-australia</a>
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