INDUSTRY NEWSNew South WalesNEWS

John Minns reinstated as NSW Property Services Commissioner

In a surprise move from the NSW Government, John Minns has been reinstated as Property Services Commissioner just weeks after it announced he would be replaced with an independent statutory Property Services Commissioner.

A spokesperson from the Department of Customer Service said Mr Minns would return to the role from September 12, 2022 to August 2023.

Mr Minns will continue working on the strategic initiatives he previously introduced after becoming the first NSW Property Services Commissioner in late 2021.

“He will also work with industry on a model for an independent commissioner, as recently announced by government,” the spokesperson said.

The department spokesperson said Mr Minns would be provided with additional powers in the interim to strengthen the role of Property Services Commissioner.

The powers include being able to review complaints about decisions Fair Trading makes, the power to approve the qualifications required for licences or certificates of registration, and the power to issue guides, guidelines and determine the content of forms.

The move comes after the Minister for Fair Trading Eleni Petinos announced on July 13 that the NSW Government would introduce an independent statutory Property Services Commissioner and Mr Minns would not be in the role.

An acting independent statutory Property Services Commissioner had been due to be appointed at the start of August. 

“Establishing an independent statutory Property Services Commissioner will drive future reforms to support both consumers and the property services industry, helping to ensure a strong and professional sector and build a brighter future for the entire industry,” Ms Petinos said on July 13.

“We’ve considered the feedback collected during the Property Services Listening Tour. 

“As a result, we will legislate to provide the Property Services Commissioner more responsibility for the regulation of the sector, including managing complaints, direct communication and engagement with consumer groups and industry, and investigating breaches of relevant legislation.”

A passionate advocate for the real estate industry, Mr Minns has more than 25 years’ experience in the property sector, including multiple leadership roles with Independent Property Group and six years as chief operations officer and chief experience officer with Dexar Group.

In July, after the government announced he would leave the role, Mr Minns said he was proud of his work in the position, including extensive engagement with industry, consumer groups and government to prepare a comprehensive, five project, property services strategy focused on industry transformation and regulatory reform.

Show More

Kylie Dulhunty

Kylie Dulhunty is the Editor at Elite Agent.