PAMDA drafts released

Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie has today released a proposal to slash red tape and modernise existing property agent and motor dealer regulation.

Mr Bleijie said the proposed changes would fulfil the Newman Government’s election commitment to streamline home sale contracts.

“The existing Property Agents and Motor Dealers Act 2000 (PAMDA) is a cumbersome law covering more than 23 licence and registration classes across seven industries,” he said.

“Our goal with this review is to deliver positive red tape reduction reforms that support industry growth, but also maintain a high level of protection for consumers.

“Consumers are often overwhelmed by pages of paperwork so they just sign on the dotted line without reading the fine print, which can be dangerous.

“These changes will simplify the process for consumers by incorporating the PAMDA warning statement into the contract, removing unnecessary duplication from the buying process.

“We have already removed sustainability declarations and have drafted new bills to split PAMDA into industry specific acts.”

- Property Occupations Bill 2013
- Motor Dealers and Chattel Auctioneers Bill 2013
- Commercial Agents Bill 2013
- Agents Financial Administration Bill 2013

“These bills include amendments to reduce the regulatory burden on businesses licensed under PAMDA and consolidate licence categories.

“We are calling on industry to review the draft bills and provide feedback on how to further slash unnecessary red tape and duplication for their industries.”

Mr Bleijie said one of the key amendments in the draft bills would close a loophole that had been exploited in the past by people looking to get out of sale contracts.

“Under the current legislation, property agents must attach a separate form that includes a warning statement about cooling-off periods and legal advice to the sale contract,” he said.

“They must then provide a clear statement directing the buyer’s attention to the warning statement and if they don’t, a buyer can terminate the contract within 90 days.

“In our draft bill released today we have removed the requirement to provide warning statements and the red tape around the process.

“Some buyers have used something as simple as the order the page appears or the lack of a staple to terminate contracts in the past.

“I encourage all interested parties to review our proposal and help shape the future of these industries.”

For a copy of the consultation paper and to provide feedback, visit www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or call 13 QGOV (13 74 68).

[ENDS] 11 February 2013

Media Contact: Lisa O’Donnell 0400 986 432 or Matt Johnston 0432 535 893