July 2017
A real estate agent has had his licence and triennial certificate cancelled by the State Administrative Tribunal after failing to complete compulsory training requirements.
Anthony Palermo of Dalkeith was subject to disciplinary action by Consumer Protection when he failed to complete the necessary Compulsory Professional Development (CPD) obligations for three consecutive years 2013-2015, in breach of the Real Estate and Business Agents Act.
Completion of the outstanding training was a condition of the renewal of Mr Palermo’s licence in February 2016, but he failed to meet the deadline of 31 August 2016 set by the Department.
Acting Commissioner for Consumer Protection David Hillyard said it was a strict legislative requirement that real estate agents, sales representatives and property managers complete their annual training, a key licensing condition.
“The CPD training is aimed at assisting industry participants to update their knowledge and skills in the area of industry developments, legislative changes and work practices, to maintain high professional standards,” Mr Hillyard said.
“Failure to complete the CPD requirements can result in disciplinary action being taken and licences or registrations not being renewed, or being suspended by the SAT. So the consequences of non-compliance are very serious."
“Real estate agencies have a responsibility to ensure their employees comply with the requirement to meet their CPD obligations. Consumer Protection encourages agents to check with their employees to ensure that their CPD compliance is up-to-date.”
More information on the obligations of real estate agents and sales representatives is available on the Consumer Protection website.
Enquiries can be made by email or by calling 1300 304 054.