New training to keep pace in fast-changing property industry

• New, compulsory ongoing training to be introduced for the real estate industry
• The annual training requirements aim to improve professional standards and increase consumer protections
• Implementing mandatory CPD was a 2020 election commitment

New, compulsory ongoing training will soon be introduced for Queensland’s real estate agents and other property agents.

The Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation and Other Legislation Bill 2024 introduced to Queensland Parliament on Thursday, amends the Property Occupations Act 2014 to require property agents to complete annual mandatory continuing professional development (CPD).

It will make CPD mandatory for real estate agents, real estate salespeople, property auctioneers and resident letting agents.

Queensland agents are currently required to undertake initial training to become registered or licensed, however there are no further training requirements to make sure they keep up with evolving consumer expectations and agent obligations. 

The government recognises that many agents and businesses in the property industry already undertake professional development, however the government wants to make sure everyone is taking that extra step to upskill.

The Bill will require property agents to complete annual CPD requirements that are set by the chief executive, unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Once the CPD requirements are set by the Chief Executive, agents will be required to complete two CPD sessions each year.

Failure to complete mandatory CPD requirements may prevent agents from successfully renewing their licence or registration.

Agents will have some flexibility in choosing the sessions they undertake to ensure CPD best suits their business needs.

An Advisory Panel will be established that will include industry and community stakeholders to provide expert advice to the chief executive on acceptable CPD sessions.

Sessions could include training on issues relevant to the industry such as appropriate management of trust accounts, as well as training to assist renters experiencing domestic and family violence.

The decision to introduce mandatory CPD follows extensive consultation with the public and industry in 2022 on the most appropriate and suitable option.

Quotes attributable to the Attorney General, Minister for Justice and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Yvette D’Ath: 

“Buying or selling a home is a significant transaction for so many Queenslanders, and they invest their trust in real estate agents during this time.

“That’s why it’s vitally important that property agents understand their obligations and operate with integrity at all times.

“Implementing mandatory CPD was a 2020 election commitment, and it will help maintain professional standards across the industry and bring more protections for Queenslanders engaging the services of real estate agents.

“I want to thank the many property agents, peak bodies and consumer representatives that shared their views during consultation in 2022 and 2023.”

Quotes attributable to Real Estate Institute of Queensland CEO Antonia Mercorella:

“As the peak body for real estate professionals, the REIQ are big believers in the critical importance of ongoing education to ensure professionals keep up with complex and ever-changing legislation and lift the professional standards.

“When you consider the significant responsibilities bestowed on real estate professionals, including selling what’s often someone’s most valuable asset and managing trust accounts, it’s crucial that ongoing training requirements are imposed for consumer protection.

“This not only aligns with the expectations of the community but also with those of real estate professionals who are committed to delivering best practice standards.

“Following years of advocacy from the REIQ, it’s momentous to see the introduction of mandatory CPD, and we congratulate the Miles Government on delivering on this commitment.

“When mandating CPD, it’s important that there’s flexibility and agility in the training, and so we look forward to helping to shape the content delivered through the Advisory Panel.”

ENDS