What a year it’s been! As we head towards the end of the year, it’s timely to take a moment to reflect on our successes over the last 12 months.

Stepping into the top job 12 months ago, I set my sights on implementing higher standards of professionalism and service across our industry, securing meaningful and workable solutions to industry issues, and increasing the relevance of agents to consumers.

To achieve this, I knew I couldn’t go it alone. I also knew our lobbying function had to be strong and I’m pleased to report that it’s stronger than ever before. And it’s not by accident. It’s part of a very deliberate strategy – one that was hatched back in November 2013 at a conference table at REI House, when Malcolm Gunning was elected as President and I became Deputy President.

I vividly remember sitting down with both Malcolm and REINSW CEO Tim McKibbin, and mapping out what would become our roadmap for the next four years. Together, we committed ourselves to a lobbying strategy that would elevate REINSW to its rightful position as the go-to body for all things real estate.

While it’s always an evolving process, taking account of the constantly changing nature of our profession, we’ve remained true to our primary goal – to ensure that when we speak, they listen.

And it’s worked. Now, more than at any other point in time, REINSW has the ear of government and we are, on many issues, working collaboratively with them.

Tackling the issues

I believe that the key to bringing about positive change for our profession is to tackle the most important issues on all fronts – government, industry, and the consumer. To do this, there’s no doubt we need to continue on our current path, lobbying thoughtfully and consistently so the NSW Government takes our profession seriously and values our input on policy and legislative matters.

We’re a strong lobbying group and we need to continue to ensure that we’re leveraging this for the good of agents and consumers.

Over the last 18 months, we’ve formed a close and mutually respectful relationship with Minister for Innovation & Better Regulation Victor Dominello. From the moment he took on the portfolio, he has recognised what we bring to the table. The strength of this relationship has allowed us to promote the cause of our members and the wider industry directly to the key decision-maker.

What started at a conference table in REI House in 2013 is now well and truly coming to fruition. When I took the Presidential baton from Malcolm in November last year all the foundations had been established and we were already achieving real results. But the last 12 months have been a defining year for REINSW.

As always, there’s still a long way to go. But we’re up for the challenge and by working closely with members, the wider industry and other stakeholders, I’m confident we’ll experience even greater lobbying success in 2017.

John Cunningham
REINSW President