Peter Matthews, Founder & CEO of Realtair, today begins a two-year tenure as President of the Real Estate Institute of NSW (REINSW). Mr Matthews takes the reins from Leanne Pilkington, CEO and co-owner of the Laing+Simmons network, who remains on the REINSW Board.

As the industry moves from lockdown to the new operating environment, Mr Matthews said his initial focus will be on communication with members, to ensure the issues most important to them are represented to Government.

“Agents have been focused on navigating the COVID environment in recent times. Now, with operating conditions returning to normal, it’s a matter of getting to work on what the future of the industry looks like. As the peak body for real estate in the state, REINSW will work directly with our members to ensure the challenges, opportunities and priorities as they see them, are our priority too,” Mr Matthews said.

Mr Matthews said REINSW would continue its push for reform, including the appointment of a real estate-experienced, dedicated regulator for the industry, as well as to strata laws, particularly as they relate to accessibility.

“There is no shortage of regulation in the industry but there is a disconnect between compliance and delivering on consumers’ contemporary expectations. We’re focused on reform with the potential to deliver better consumer outcomes,” Mr Matthews said.

“REINSW will also continue the work on the path to professionalism for the industry. On this score, having navigated the COVID environment, we’re ready to make new strides forward.”

A long-term REINSW Board member and President for the last four years, Leanne Pilkington’s tenure is highlighted by the significant strides the industry has made toward becoming a recognised profession, the 600% increase in educational and training standards now demanded of aspiring agents, as well as navigating the industry through COVID-19.

Ms Pilkington retains her position on the REINSW Board and will remain a high-profile and influential industry figure in the future, supporting Mr Matthews in the transition.

Mr Matthews paid tribute to his predecessor. 

“I’ve been fortunate to work with Leanne with the REINSW over the past few years and it’s a testament to her talent, commitment and influence that she’s so admirably led the industry through one of the most challenging periods in our history,” Mr Matthews said.

“The REINSW is in a strong position to continue to represent the interests of the industry, which is the state’s largest economic contributor, and we have the ideal platform to continue the important work on the transformational initiatives we have in motion.

“On behalf of the REINSW, including our members, we say ‘thank you’,” he said.