The Real Estate Institute of the Australian Capital Territory (REIACT) today (1 August 2023) hosted the first ever Australian Auslan interpreted Auctioneering Championships.

REIACT CEO, Ms Maria Edwards, said that the Institute was delighted to show leadership for this important initiative.

“At a time when housing affordability, interest rates and cost of living is stretching Canberran households, being able to be included in the conversation is a step towards empowerment for the Deaf and Hard of hearing community.

“We had seven novice auctioneers competing in the interpreted auction, all of whom have embraced auctions being more inclusive and accessible and were looking forward to competing with the amazing Expression Australia Auslan interpreters present.

“One in six Australian’s have some form of hearing loss and may need an Auslan interpreter standing with the Auctioneer to be able to participate in a property transaction ‘under the hammer’.

“We are delighted to have been able to work with the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) and Expression Australia as a first step in allowing access and inclusion for the Deaf and hard of hearing community in a property auction.”

Chief Executive Officer of Expression Australia, Rebecca Adam said that this step by both REIA and REIACT is innovative and brings a level of communication for the Deaf and hard of hearing community not experienced previously.

“Expression Australia, REIACT and REIA have a long and rich history of providing the best services to the community.

“Together we will be a part of the first steps to bring Auslan into the real estate industry, through industry best practice for the Deaf and hard of hearing community and an ongoing Deaf awareness and capacity building program for real estate agents.”

REIA President Hayden Groves said that working with REIACT and Expression Australia is part of REIA’s commitment to a more diverse, sustainable and inclusive real estate industry.

“We are committed to enabling all members of our community to participate in all things property. Accessible real estate transactions are obviously an important component to this, and working to include the deaf and hard of hearing community is a great step toward that commitment. The REIACT’s Auslan competition was a great moment in auctioneering history.”