The Urban Development Institute of Australia, Victorian Division (UDIA Victoria) has appointed widely respected property advocate, Matthew Kandelaars, as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Mr Kandelaars is currently Victorian Deputy Executive of the Property Council of Australia; a role which has seen him spearhead countless successful advocacy campaigns, and lead the organisation as Interim Executive Director on multiple occasions, including extended stints through a state election campaign, and throughout a key juncture in the COVID-19 crisis.

Prior to the Property Council, Mr Kandelaars held senior roles within Victorian and South Australian ministerial offices, serving as Chief of Staff to the Deputy Premier and Minister for Planning in South Australia, and Senior Adviser to two Victorian ministers.

“Matthew is well-known and highly regarded across the public and private sector, with a deep understanding of the policy issues impacting Victoria’s development, construction and building industry, and established connections with government decision-makers,” said UDIA Victoria President Ashley Williams.

“Matthew’s understanding of government’s policy development and decision-making process will be an invaluable asset to UDIA Victoria,” he said.

As Deputy Executive of the Property Council in Victoria, Mr Kandelaars has delivered significant advocacy achievements in areas of tax reform, planning, infrastructure, economic stimulus and gender diversity.

“He will hit the ground running, which is exactly what we need at a time when Victoria is leaning heavily on our industry to prop up the economy as we work through COVID-19,” said Mr Williams.

Mr Kandelaars said he is eager to step into his new role.

“There are 300,000 Victorians employed across our sector, in need of a strong, reputable industry advocate, that is attuned to their needs and who will work productively with government to address the key issues. I’m looking forward to taking on that responsibility at this critical time, and to working with the incredible UDIA team and Board to vigorously pursue our members’ objectives,” said Mr Kandelaars.

In addition to his practical experience across public policy, advocacy, government relations and communications, Matthew is a qualified legal practitioner with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting). He also sits on the University of Melbourne Construction Law Advisory Board.

UDIA Victoria extends deep appreciation to Angela Gaedke, who has done a brilliant job as Acting CEO while the recruitment process took place and will continue to do so until Mr Kandelaars commences his new role. He succeeds Ms Danni Hunter who was appointed Victorian Executive Director of the Property Council in December 2020.

Taken from UDIA media release.