Named among Sydney's most powerful people, REINSW President and Managing Director of Laing+Simmons, Leanne Pilkington is using her influence to lobby for change in the industry.

“I’m thrilled to have my dedication to the industry acknowledged. I became involved in the REINSW Board, because I was concerned about the declining standards across the industry, and I’ve strongly advocated for women in the profession," Ms Pilkington said.

She's lobbying with REINSW for the NSW Government to appoint a Property Services Commissioner to manage and prioritise the regulatory framework of, and cases within the industry.

"The NSW Government has appointed a Building Commissioner - we need the same for the $107 billion property services industry," she said.

She told WILLIAMS MEDIA people are concerned about the "erosion" of standards in education and training in the industry.

"Despite Parliament passing the Training Reforms back in March 2019, Fair Trading has not developed the regulations required to make these reforms happen. It's been a year!

"Despite this, the Minister regularly complains about 'dodgy agents'. REINSW want to improve the standards of agents across the state, and the first step is to implement these training reforms, but Fair Trading simply are not cooperating. 

"The industry and our consumers need us to be working with people that understand the issues in this space and are passionate about making the massive improvements that we believe are required," she said.

REINSW CEO Tim McKibbin congratulated Ms Pilkington on being named in the Sydney Power 100 list.

“We are extremely proud of everything Leanne has done for the industry – particularly during her time serving for us on the REINSW Board of Directors – and we know she will continue to accomplish great things in the future.

"Leanne has a major strength in her ability to connect with people and her power to influence and create change. Anyone who has ever met Leanne will understand this and would echo me in saying that she deserves this recognition in the Sydney Power 100 list.”

Mr McKibbin has previously been very outspoken on the issue of the industry needing a dedicated property minister.

“We need a commissioner for the property services industry that has come from industry, that understands the industry. Unfortunately, with Fair Trading, we are in a constant state of conflict because of their views on competition. They erroneously believe that competition is the panacea of all that ails any market,” Mr Mckibbin told WILLIAMS MEDIA. 

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REINSW CEO blasts Fair Trading, calls for dedicated property minister

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