So you are a successful agent in you own right with Cunningham’s here in beautiful Balgowlah, so how did you aspire to become President of the REINSW?
The President of the Institute is a Practitioner and is elected by it’s members. I have been involved with the Institute practically from day one of entering the industry some 40 years ago. My boss at the time was involved as was my subsequent boss, involved as members. They were both involved in the Northern Beaches Division so at a very young age I become involved and became secretary when I was 26. Subsequently, I was President for quite some years in my thirties. So that exposed me to what membership was all about. I come from a family of contributors and doers, so at a very early age I was always exposed and it was a natural progression. I believe I contribute a lot to the betterment of property consumers and practitioners.
What are the advantages of being a member of the REI?
The advantages of being a member;
1. You stand for something. I stand for ethics and the betterment of everyone and as part of our charter is consumer and practitioner protection
2. Our big role is in advocacy and lobbying and probably more so now than ever before
3. The Institute provides absolute up to date information – on practice, on compliance, regulation, and on standards and keeping those standards high and turning our industry into a profession. (We cover around 70% of active agents.)
What are your views on the recent 'Under Quoting Legislation'?
The 'Under Quoting Legislation Act' is a constant, part of a never ending journey. The next is the 'Residential Tenancies Act', then the 'Stock and Business Agency Act'. "We are looking at some serious reforms in the industry right now." And industry has to be part of that.
We probably have one of the best governments in decades whom are prepared to listen to our industry and understand that they are going to get better governance and regulation.
Are the other states following?
That’s an interesting dynamic.
All other REI’s are worded differently with a slightly different twist. It is frustrating in itself that we – the industry – have not got a national governance.
John Cunningham
The Road to Professionalism
“We are looking at some serious reforms in the industry right now”. And industry has to be part of that