NSW to create new statutory Property Services Commissioner

The NSW government will establish an independent statutory Property Services Commissioner tasked with regulating the sector, managing complaints and investigating breaches.

Property Services Commissioner John Minns will finish his term in July.

John Minns, who was announced as the state’s first Property Services Commissioner last October for a two year term, won’t be returning to the statutory role.

“The new statutory role is placing regulatory reform as a priority and, given changes to the position and its purpose, Commissioner Minns will finish his term at the end of July 2022,” the spokesperson said.

The current role of Property Services Commissioner, based on the Building Commissioner model, was introduced last year as senior executive position reporting to the fair trading minister via the Secretary of the Department of Customer Service.

The new statutory PSC role will be established by legislation to be introduced to the NSW Parliament later this year.

“The PSC will report directly to the minister independent to the Department of Customer Service,” a spokeswoman told Government News.

“The legislation will provide provisions to establish and provide resources to the Office of the PSC, as well as set out the roles and responsibilities of the Commissioner.”

The move came in response to  feedback gained during a property services listening tour, fair trading minister  Eleni Petinos said in a statement.

“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,”  Ms Petinos said.

Secretary of the Department of Customer Service Emma Hogan will appoint an Acting Property Services Commissioner from August 1 whilst parliament considers legislation.

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