West Australian real estate agents the most ethical in the nation

Real estate agents in Western Australia are viewed as the most ethical in the nation according to the Governance Institute of Australia’s Ethical Index 2020 survey, a measure which has increased from 36 to 44 per cent when compared to 2019.   

Only one other state saw an increase in score compared to 2019, which was Victoria with a three per cent increase.  

The Index, which surveyed more than 1,000 Australians relating to perceptions of ethical issues and conduct, saw an overall Ethics Index Score of 52 recorded in 2020, which was up 15 per cent compared to 2019. 

REIWA CEO Neville Pozzi said the results of the survey are pleasing to see after such an uncertain year due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

“Real estate agents are an integral part of the property industry and have a wealth of knowledge that helps guide sellers, buyers and renters on their property journey, which is why it is great to see an increase in ethical score that reinforces the work that they do,” Mr Pozzi said. 

“Looking a little closer to home, the Institute recently conducted a reputational analysis with the WA public and found the average reputation scores of real estate agents in WA increased with those who were familiar with the REIWA brand, indicating that REIWA is contributing to improving the reputation of the wider industry – something we pride ourselves on.” 

Another factor that has also greatly assisted real estate professionals is the WA regulatory requirement for them to undertake ten hours of continuing professional development each year as well as proactive agency visits by the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety. 

“As the leading peak body for the real estate profession in the state we are committed to providing excellent training and ensuring that our members deliver a high standard of service to the general public, which is why in the new year we will be introducing the REIWA Accreditation Program,” Mr Pozzi said. 

This new program will recognise members as REIWA Accredited in their respective fields, based on training, experience and compliance, which will provide confidence to those on their real estate journey that they have the very best specialist helping them navigate their way through.  

More details on the REIWA Accreditation Program will be launched in 2021.