A real estate sales representative who failed to complete Compulsory Professional Development (CPD) training as required by a special condition on his certificate of registration has been reprimanded and fined $1,000 by the State Administrative Tribunal.

Consumer Protection began disciplinary action against Charles James Clarke, who works for a Cottesloe real estate agency, when he failed to comply with the condition despite numerous reminders.

Mr Clarke’s registration had expired in April 2017 and he applied for its renewal in July 2018. His new certificate was issued subject to a special condition to complete the outstanding training by 31 October 2018, which he failed to do. Failing to comply with a special condition is in breach of the Real Estate and Business Agents Act. Mr Clarke has since completed the outstanding training.

Commissioner for Consumer Protection David Hillyard said it was a strict requirement that real estate agents, sales representatives and property managers complete their annual training which is a key licensing condition.

“The CPD training is aimed at assisting industry participants to update their knowledge and skills in the area of industry developments, legislative changes and work practices to maintain high professional standards,” Mr Hillyard said.

“Failure to complete the CPD requirements could result in disciplinary action being taken and licences or registrations not being renewed, or being suspended by the SAT. So the consequences of non-compliance can be serious.

“Real estate agencies have a responsibility to ensure their employees comply with the requirement to meet their CPD obligations. Consumer Protection encourages agents to check with their employees to ensure that their CPD compliance is up-to-date.”

More information on the obligations of real estate agents and sales representatives is available on the Consumer Protection website or enquiries can be made by email consumer@demirs.wa.gov.au or by calling 1300 30 40 54.

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Media Contact: Alan Hynd, (08) 6552 9248 / 0429 078 791 / alan.hynd@demirs.wa.gov.au