The PSAQ is now taking the lead in working towards a proposed modern Federal Real Estate Industry Award. This process has already involved:

• numerous meetings with key stakeholders both in Queensland and interstate;
• heading off an attempt by the agribusiness industry to "take over" Award coverage of large sections of the real estate industry; and
• more recently, dialogue with the President of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC).

A Commissioner from the AIRC has now been appointed to oversee development of the proposed Real Estate Industry Award, and a number of industry representatives from across the country, including PSAQ Secretary, Barry Gannon, will soon meet with the Commissioner to progress this matter further.

Under current legislation, the new Federal Award is scheduled to be operational by no later than 31 December 2009. The Award will apply to those ~85% of employers who trade as corporations, and to their employees.

We encourage any real estate salesperson or property management employee with questions about this topic to contact Barry Gannon or Tom French.