• Download a copy of the PSAQ Submission. [Note: this is a big file - 684 Kb.]

The Property Agents and Motor Dealers Act 2000 (PAMDA) regulates much of the day to day activity of real estate agents and their employees, especially with respect to how the industry interacts with the public.

When the Act was introduced, the Government promised a full review of the Act after twelve months of operation.

For the purpose of the review, the Government asked "industry members to identify sections of the legislation they believed could be streamlined for better business practice".

With that in mind, the PSAQ sought feedback from Industry participants (especially PSAQ Members) about PAMDA issues which affected them.

In consultation with the Industry, the PSAQ identified some key issues to address:

• Initial Registration for Sales People. The delays in obtaining Registration are causing unnecessary difficulties. Interim Registration (issued prior to or immediately after completion of the five modules) would help.
• Licensing - qualifications for licensing and registration should be adjusted to the Diploma and Certificate IV levels respectively.
• Professional Development - there is a need for mandatory ongoing training to improve the professional skills of registered sales people and licensed agents.
• Receptionists registered as Sales People? This matter needs clarification.
• The Codes of Professional Conduct - there needs to be a greater focus on Industry education about these Codes.
• Sale by Tender - some practices are bringing the Industry into disrepute. This method of sale may need further regulation.
• The legislation should not be limited to residential transactions, but also recognise commercial, business brokerage and rural sales.
• The legislation would be better written in "plain english"?
• Real estate industry legislation should be separated from motor dealers' legislation.
• Cooling-off periods. This aspect of the legislation needs improvement, to make it more workable!
• Forms - the Industry should be able to design its own appointment/listing authorities, with the Government simply prescribing legislative constraints.