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State of the Nation Economic Briefing in WA

ACA WA invites members and colleagues to our inaugural State of the Nation Economic Briefing on 22 April 2026.

Danny Chung, Head of Business Development at Macquarie Group will set the scene with an economic outlook followed by a panel discussion with government and industry leaders, including the Hon. Dr Katrina Stratton MLC, Parliamentary Secretary for Planning, Lands and Housing. The following expert panellists will provide perspectives on the economic outlook, influences and opportunities shaping future development in Western Australia:

  • Hon. Dr Katrina Stratton MLC, Parliamentary Secretary for Planning, Lands and Housing
  • Danny Chung, Head of Business Development at Macquarie Group
  • Rebecca Justice, Managing Director at Benchmark Finance Group
  • Matthew McNeilly, Founder & Managing Director at Sirona Urban.

Together, the panel will unpack the factors shaping project viability – from macroeconomic trends to government policy – delivering the critical intel your practice needs to stay ahead in this complex business environment. Join us for expert insights, networking and drinks.

  • Hon. Dr Katrina Sutton, MLC
  • Danny Chung
  • Matthew McNeilly
  • Rebecca Justice

WHEN

Wednesday 22 April | 5.00pm – 7.30pm

WHERE

Downstairs at the Maj,
His Majesty’s Theatre
827–905 Hay Street, Perth

COST

Includes drinks and light bites.

Members individual (standard) – $38.50
Member Table of 5 –  $175 (GST incl.)

Members Book Here

 

Non-Members – $55 (incl GST)
Non Member Table of 5 – $250 (incl GST)

Non-Members Book Here

Please contact Claire at wa@aca.org.au with any enquiries.

MEET OUR EXPERT PANELLISTS

Hon. Dr Katrina Stratton MLC is the Parliamentary Secretary for Planning, Lands and Housing .is a Member of the Legislative Council and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Planning and Lands; Housing and Works; Health Infrastructure. She has significant experience in social work and business administration, having attained a Bachelor of Social Work, Doctor of Philosophy, and a Masters of Business Administration from UWA , all of which has provided her with an excellent understanding of balancing multiple needs and complex issues. Katrina is passionate about social justice and social change and has worked on important social issues such as grandparents raising grandchildren, young people leaving foster care, domestic violence and disadvantage.

Danny Chung is Head of Business Development at Macquarie Group with 20+ years’ experience in the banking and financial services sector, he is driven by continual opportunities to learn more about the industries he serves, and his team’s ability to build a banking partnership with their clients. Danny prioritises delivering specialist solutions tailored for the industry, providing market insights and helping clients achieve their growth aspirations.

Rebecca Justice founded Benchmark Finance in 2018 following her directorship at National Australia Bank Ltd. She has extensive Corporate & Institutional Property experience and a post graduate degree in Banking and Finance. Specialising in arranging senior bank debt and complex multi-bank funding structures since 2006 along with identification and presentation of alternate non-bank capital sources. Since 2018, Benchmark Finance has been directly involved in the initial assessment, negotiation and placement of over $3.5b in Commercial Real Estate funding opportunities in Western Australia.

Matthew McNeilly has over 35 years’ experience across property development and investment banking and brings a lifetime of wins, lost opportunities, ambition and an immense love of Perth (and Fremantle), to his role as Managing Director of Sirona Urban. Matt believes successfully developing property in today’s market requires enormous creativity, bringing together and partnering with the brightest and best industry talent, whilst ensuring community buy-in and focussing on social outcomes. These pillars underpin every Sirona Urban project.

CPD

1 hour – 1 formal CPD Point

Learning outcomes – attendance at this event will help attendees:

  • Apply principles of project planning, considering implications for Country, environmental sustainability, communities, stakeholders and project costs. (PC3)
  • Provide independent, culturally responsive and objective advice in accordance with relevant building codes, standards, technical specifications and guidelines, and planning regulations, including climate change implications, across all aspects of architectural practice. (PC12)
  • Prepare and analyse project development options in response to a project brief – its objectives, budget, user intent and built purpose, risk and timeframes, including environmental sustainability considerations. (PC 24)

AACA NSCA – Practice Management and Professional Conduct – PC 3, PC 12, PC 24.

Following the event, CPD questions will be provided with a link to upload your answers and for issue of a CPD certificate of completion. Please keep your receipt, completed questions and certificate for your CPD records.