The NSW Government has appointed John Minns as the state’s first Property Services Commissioner in a move that will herald a new era of trust and engagement between the real estate industry, its regulator and consumers in NSW.
Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson said Commissioner Minns will be a fundamental part of ensuring a strong, vibrant property sector, responsive to the needs of property services professionals and one that has the highest compliance and professional standards for the benefit of consumers.
“The real estate industry contributes $100 billion and over 37,000 jobs to the NSW economy. That is why it is critical to have the right processes in place to allow the NSW Government to support this thriving industry whilst maintaining the highest protections for consumers,” Mr Anderson said.
The Property Services Commissioner will reflect the successful model taken by the Building Commissioner to reform the building and construction sector and work with the Property Services Expert Panel and the NSW Government to drive positive reform to support consumers, and streamline services delivered by the regulator to agents and property service professionals.
“John brings more than 25 years’ experience as a real estate business owner and agent. Most recently he was Managing Director of Canberra-based Independent Property Group and is a previous Director of Academy of Real Estate Services where he worked to improve professional development and training opportunities,” Mr Anderson said.
“The NSW Government is always looking for new ways to update and modernise property services regulation and we are excited to have someone with such passion for the industry lead us through this process.”
Commissioner Minns said he is excited by the opportunity to work with the Property Services Expert Panel to bolster the real estate industry.
“At a time of unprecedented change and rapid digital transformation, I am looking forward to working with leaders across the industry to deliver improved consumer outcomes, a vibrant and sustainable NSW property sector and continued innovation,” Mr Minns said.
Chris Duggan, Chair of the Property Services Expert Panel said he is delighted with the appointment of Commissioner Minns.
“This is an important step forward for our real estate industry and members of the Panel look forward to working with Commissioner Minns in the weeks and months ahead,” Mr Duggan said.
The Property Services Commissioner will sit independently of Fair Trading and will report directly to the Secretary of the Department of Customer Service and Minister for Better Regulation..
Commissioner Minns will commence his appointment on 6 December, 2021.
