In accepting the role, Mr Gunning thanked out-going President Neville Sanders from Victoria who has served in the position for two years.
He added: “Neville has provided excellent stewardship of the organisation since 2014 and during that time he has achieved much in ensuring that our members have a strong national voice.
“On behalf of the Board and staff, we extend our sincere thanks to Neville for his professionalism and commitment to the role during an important chapter in REIA’s history.
“Next year will be an equally important one for the sector with the public debate on taxation of housing and affordability continuing. REIA will continue to be a strong advocate for the retention of negative gearing – its abolition is not the panacea for housing affordability that many seem to think it is.
"The debate on taxation must be broader and include stamp duty, land tax and value capture. I am also resolved to ensure that professional standards are improved and consumers are protected when they make the biggest and often the most important purchase of their lifetime.
“Improving the professionalism of the sector requires a multifaceted approach encompassing higher levels of qualifications, CPD, standard of training including ASQA’s role, accreditation, harmonisation, and working towards membership of the Professional Standards Authority."