Simon Power MP
National Party Justice Spokesman

6 November 2007

Backdown over real estate agents sensible

The Government’s backdown on its proposal to change the employment status of real estate agents is a sensible move, says National’s Justice spokesman, Simon Power.

“A previous proposal to change the employment status of real estate agents from independent contractors to employees was a blunt and unnecessary instrument which now seems to be subject to a five-year review.

“National will look closely beyond Associate Justice Minister Clayton Cosgrove’s rhetoric at the detail of the bill when it is tabled, and with regard to issues concerning property managers and auctioneers.

“We have always said the protection of consumers and the avoiding of extra costs for home buyers must be the main thrust of the changes.

“The present ‘in-house’ complaints process is not good enough, and we support changes that bring more accountability and transparency to the industry.

“What’s not clear is whether the extra cost of industry restructuring will eventually be passed on to home buyers.

“They are already under enough stress paying more for their mortgages under Labour, and the last thing they need is more costs.

“We will be looking at the fine detail of any proposed legislation because our number one concern is the consumer.”

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