Government determined to clean up shonky operators

Acting Attorney-General and Minister for Justice John Mickel has requested Crown Law advice on the likely success of an appeal against a District Court decision to reinstate the licence of a Gold Coast real estate agent.

“The Government is determined to rid the real estate industry of shonky operators who seek personal benefit through the sale of property,'' he said.

“The Government pursued this agent for several years and was satisfied with the disqualification of her licence and the $11,250 fine handed down in the Commercial and Consumer Tribunal.

“While the District Court increased the fine to $17,500, the Government is seeking advice on the prospects of appeal, especially with regard to having the ban on her trading as a real estate agent reinstated.”

Mr Mickel said the Government had made a number of legislative changes to the PAMD Act in recent years to get rid of shonky operators and would continue to crack down on agents who illegally sought personal financial gain.

Media contact: Shannon Mackay 3237 1125

January 2, 2008