1. Network & Industry

The conversations we're having… 

🎉 Success always attracts attention - Chapter 1, Network & Industry

🤖 AI recruitment scams become increasingly convincing - Chapter 2, L & D

✨ Victorian compliance remains firmly in the spotlight - Chapter 1, Network & Industry

🏃 White Glove rollout gathers pace - Chapter 1, Network & Industry

🖥️ Mastering Claude Fable 5 - Chapter 4, Artificial Intelligence

📘 NotebookLM becomes Gemini Notebook - Chapter 4, Artificial Intelligence

📢 July keeps First National in the headlines - Chapter 3, Media & Marketing

🚨PI insurance is not cyber insurance - Chapter 5, Alliance Partners

📣NSW principals urged to help shape major pricing reforms - Chapter 2, L & D

AU: Why success always attracts attention 

👓 2 minute read

One of the interesting things about the real estate industry is that change never goes unnoticed. 

Whenever a network announces a significant initiative - whether it's a new brand, new technology, or a fresh strategic direction - it inevitably attracts attention from competitors. That's not unusual, and it certainly isn't a cause for concern. It's simply part of a competitive marketplace. 

As our own brand transformation progresses, we're seeing exactly what you would expect: increased interest in our network and our people. That's a reflection of the quality of our members and the strength of the business they have built together. 

The important thing is to keep our attention where it belongs. 

Our rebrand has never been about changing a logo for the sake of change. It is part of a broader strategy to position our cooperative for the future, strengthen consumer recognition and provide our members with a modern platform from which to grow. 

The transition is progressing well. The overwhelming majority of our offices are now actively engaged in planning their transition, with more than half having already confirmed their preferred timing. 

Looking ahead, an exciting milestone awaits. Next year, as more offices complete their transition, we'll launch a major brand campaign designed to introduce our refreshed identity to consumers on a national scale. By aligning the campaign with broader network adoption, we'll ensure our investment delivers the greatest possible benefit for members and their businesses. 

Throughout this journey, it's worth remembering what makes our network different. As a cooperative, every significant decision is made with one objective in mind: creating lasting value for our members. Our focus isn't on making the loudest announcement or claiming to be first. It's on making thoughtful decisions that strengthen the network for the long term. 

Healthy competition is part of every successful industry. We'll continue to welcome it, remain focused on our own strategy, and support one another as we complete one of the most important chapters in our network's history. 

The future of our brand won't be determined by who makes the most noise. It will be determined by the quality of the businesses carrying that brand into their communities every day. That's where our attention remains, and that's what will define our success. 

AU: 39 years of experience comes to Prom Country 

👓 1 minute read

Brent Harriage and Janine Pepyat have brought 39 years of combined real estate experience to the launch of First National Prom Country, opening a new chapter for property owners across South Gippsland. 

Based in Meeniyan, the new agency combines Brent's local knowledge with Janine's expertise across residential, commercial and lifestyle property. Together, they have built reputations for trusted advice, strong community connections and a client-first approach that aligns naturally with First National's cooperative model. 

We warmly welcome Brent, Janine and the First National Prom Country team to the network and look forward to supporting their continued success. 

AU: Victorian compliance remains firmly in the spotlight 

👓 1 minute read

Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) has continued its strong focus on compliance, with recent enforcement action serving as a timely reminder that regulators remain active across both property sales and property management. 

In one of the state's most significant recent enforcement actions, a former Melbourne real estate business and three representatives have been taken to the Federal Court over allegations of multiple underquoting offences. CAV alleges buyers were misled through manipulated estimated selling prices and online pricing, while mandatory buyer guides were not updated as market interest changed.  

Separately, three estate agencies have been fined following investigations by the Renting Taskforce after properties were advertised without fixed rental prices, reinforcing the ongoing expectation that members comply with Victoria's rental advertising requirements.  

While the matters involve competitor businesses, they are an important reminder that compliance is not simply about avoiding penalties. Strong systems, accurate documentation and adherence to legislative requirements protect consumers, support professional standards and safeguard the reputation of every

AU: ‘White Glove’ rollout starts with one simple step 

👓 2 minute read

More than half of the First National network has now told us when they'd like to complete their rebrand. Thank you to everyone who has already completed the rollout survey. 

If your office hasn't yet nominated a preferred transition window, please do so before commencing any rebranding activity - use the link below ⬇️

The survey is the starting point for our White Glove rollout process. Rather than leaving members to navigate the transition alone, your State Membership Manager (SMM) will work with you to coordinate every stage of the changeover, helping ensure your business moves to the new brand smoothly, professionally and at the right time. 

One of the reasons the network committed to this rebrand was to eliminate years of inconsistent branding that had gradually emerged as individual offices created their own interpretations of the First National identity. Repeating that approach now would simply recreate the very problem we're solving – at your request. 

Your SMM is monitoring rollout progress across every state and territory. Each office is expected to transition in a coordinated way, with signage, digital assets, marketing collateral and other brand touchpoints changing together rather than piecemeal. 

Our aim is simple: one network, one brand, delivered consistently. The White Glove process has been designed to help every member achieve exactly that. 

AU/NZ: Registered for PMC26 yet?  

👓 2 minute read

Property managers are the backbone of every successful real estate business. They build long-term client relationships, solve problems every day and play a vital role in the strength and stability of our network. 

The First National Property Management Conference 2026 is your opportunity to step away from the day-to-day and invest in your professional growth. Across two days on the Gold Coast, you'll hear from some of Australia's most respected property management leaders, gain practical strategies you can apply immediately and connect with colleagues who understand the unique challenges and opportunities of the profession. 

Whether you're an experienced leader or just beginning your property management journey, this year's conference is designed to leave you with fresh ideas, renewed confidence and valuable connections. We look forward to seeing you there. 

AU: REINSW escalates dispute with NSW Government 

👓 1 minute read

The Real Estate Institute of New South Wales has called on Premier Chris Minns to remove Fair Trading Minister Anoulack Chanthivong, citing what it describes as a breakdown in consultation between government and the real estate profession.  

At the centre of the dispute is the REINSW's argument that agents are expected to navigate an increasingly complex regulatory environment while new entrants to the profession require less than a week of formal education. The Institute says this mismatch is contributing to poor outcomes for both consumers and the profession.  

The public disagreement follows the introduction of tougher underquoting penalties and ongoing debate around broader property reforms in New South Wales, with the REINSW continuing to advocate for greater industry consultation as further regulatory changes are considered.  

AU/NZ: Grow Your Rural Connections

👓 30 second read

The 2026 Regional and Rural Muster in Albury/Wodonga - August 5th, 6th and 7th - Where the Murray flows and connections grow! 

It’s going to be a great few days, with guest speakers, field trips, amazing food and our famous ‘Cowboys and Bushrangers’ dinner and auction evening.

NZ: RBNZ keeping a close eye on inflation

👓 1 minute read

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand says recent falls in oil prices have eased short-term inflation pressures, but cautions that the inflationary effects of the Middle East conflict could still linger if businesses continue passing higher costs through to consumers.  

Chief Economist Paul Conway says medium-term inflation expectations remain well anchored, but warned they cannot be taken for granted after an extended period of above-target inflation. The Reserve Bank expects future Official Cash Rate decisions to be guided by incoming inflation data, business pricing behaviour and the strength of the wider economy.  

For New Zealand's property market, the message is one of cautious optimism. Inflation pressures appear to be easing, but the Reserve Bank remains prepared to adjust monetary policy if temporary price shocks begin to feed into longer-term inflation expectations. 

AU: Proposed Victorian reforms could delay transactions 

👓 1 minute read

The REIV has raised concerns about proposed changes to Victoria’s Sale of Land Act, arguing they could delay sales and make transactions more complex. 

The Bill would prevent buyers and sellers entering a contract unless the Section 32 vendor statement had been available for at least 14 days. The REIV says this could block genuine pre-auction offers and effectively remove many off-market opportunities.  

It also proposes repealing Section 27, which currently governs early deposit release. The REIV warns this could require contract terms to be settled before auction and prevent agents accessing commission even where a buyer agrees to an early release.  

The Bill has not yet become law. Victorian members should remain alert to further updates as it progresses.

Housing fund falls well short of target, audit finds 

👓 1 minute read

A report by the Australian National Audit Office has found Labor's $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund has delivered just 1,432 homes – less than 5% of its target of 40,000 by 2029. 

The audit found there was 'considerable uncertainty' around the programme's delivery forecasts and criticised what it described as insufficient transparency around performance, costs and outcomes. It also found Treasury had warned as early as 2023 that the original targets were unlikely to be met and had been slow to establish governance and evaluation frameworks. 

The Coalition says it will introduce legislation to strengthen reporting requirements for the fund, while Housing Minister Clare O'Neil has accepted the audit's recommendations, arguing the programme's design remains sound and that delivery has been affected by difficult construction market conditions. The Housing Industry Association has also backed stronger reporting while supporting implementation of the recommendations.