REINZ encouraged by 1st reading debate

REINZ, after months of being vilified by Associate Justice Minister Clayton Cosgrove, was encouraged by the tenor of the first reading debate on the Real Estate Agents Bill in Parliament last night.

“Clearly a number of MPs are concerned that the Minister seems more intent on smashing REINZ than on reforming the industry to better protect the consumer,” said REINZ’ National President, Murray Cleland.

“The legislation, and the Minister’s actions, support this view,” he said.

“He is ripping all functions off REINZ and continues through his divisive rhetoric about “land sharks” etc to tar all agents with the activities of those few who let the rest down by their failure to follow professional standards.

“Yet he has failed to extend the new regulatory regime to include property managers and letting and leasing agents although these people handle hundreds of millions of dollars in trust accounts and account for one in five complaints received by REINZ.”

Mr Cleland said he had received many calls from members whose resolve to fight for changes to improve the Bill had been strengthened by the comments in the House.

“You can’t get good law reform unless you know what you are talking about and our members’ understanding of industry is second to none.

“We are determined to have our voice heard and are now confident that, at least during the select committee stages of the Bill, we will finally get a fair hearing,” Mr Cleland said.

ENDS

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