The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) will formally rejoin the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) from 1 July 2026, ending an 11-year separation and restoring Queensland’s representation within the national federation.
The move marks a significant governance milestone for the profession, with every State and Territory institute once again represented in a fully federated REIA structure.
REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said the decision followed a transformation of the national body and comes at a time when federal policy settings are increasingly affecting the property sector.
“The REIQ is excited to return to a revitalised national body with a strong, effective and efficient team focused on influencing national policy on federal issues affecting the real estate community and the broader property market,” Ms Mercorella said.
“We are confident that the strategic direction, focus, and structure of the REIA is optimised to represent our interests on the national stage, while respecting and complementing our work and role as a state peak body.
“With that in mind, we believe the time is right for us to return as a committed member of the REIA and we will be officially rejoining from 1 July 2026 – this is an important milestone following a break from membership since 2015.
“This decision also coincides with a period of significant national policy matters, when a collective industry voice for the country has never been more critical.”
While real estate is largely governed by state legislation, the REIQ said national policy debates are increasingly shaping the operating environment for agents and agencies.
“As a general rule, real estate tends to be governed by state laws, but we recognise national matters do arise including the current hot topic of whether capital gains tax discounts will be reformed, and the recent passing of AML/CTF laws extending into real estate,” Ms Mercorella said.
“Taxation and superannuation are also important federal issues.”
The REIA has identified key national priorities, including AML/CTF tranche 2 reforms, housing supply and affordability, industry training quality, and property management workforce challenges.
Ms Mercorella also pointed to the strategic importance of national representation in Canberra.
“The REIA is headquartered in Canberra, and when it comes to advocacy and influencing Government policy, boots on the ground are important.
“The REIA acts as the national voice of the profession, and its advocacy work is strengthened with the insights of all state and territory institutes with a complete federation. Queensland is an important voice to have at the national table,” she said.
Beyond advocacy, the renewed membership restores access to national research and recognition programs.
A key benefit will be Queensland’s return to the national awards stage, with pathways opening to the REIA National Awards for Excellence (NAFE) and the Australasian Auctioneering Championships (AUSTROS).
“We recognise that eligibility for the REIA National Awards for Excellence (NAFE) and Australasian Auctioneering Championships (AUSTROS) remains one of the most highly valued ancillary benefits of member REIs.
“The REIA and the REIQ are excited to announce that in anticipation of rejoining, national awards pathways will be available to eligible Queensland winners of aligned awards categories in May 2026.”
Member institutes will also receive access to the REIA’s full quarterly research suite.
REIA CEO Scott Rollason said Queensland’s return strengthens the national body’s capacity to advocate at a federal level.
“Queensland plays a pivotal role in the Australian real estate landscape, and the REIQ brings deep expertise and valuable market insights that will inform and strengthen the work we do at a national level,” Mr Rollason said.
“With every State and Territory now represented, REIA is once again a fully federated body. This will further enhance our advocacy at the federal level and better support the delivery of our new Strategic Plan 2026–2028, which is firmly underpinned by unity.”
The reunification comes as housing supply, taxation reform and regulatory compliance dominate the national policy agenda, positioning the profession to present a consolidated voice in Canberra from mid-2026.
