1. Network & Industry

The conversations we're having… 

🎉Property management’s biggest event returns 

🤝 Grow your rural connections 

📣 Auction reforms spark REIV warning 

🎯 Plan your rebrand rollout 

✨ Futures Club update 

🔔 Rebrand attracts national industry attention 

🎬 Edit videos faster with AI 

💻 Your CRM and AI tools could be creating privacy risks 

🔗 ZENU users can now connect with FirstAML 

🚀 New Zealand goes fully digital for bond management 

AU/NZ: Property management’s biggest event returns

👓 1 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: AUSTRAC campaign explains AML changes

👓 1 minute read

AUSTRAC has launched a national public awareness campaign to help Australians understand the new AML/CTF requirements and why real estate agencies are now asking customers to verify their identity. 

Running through to 31 August, the campaign uses digital advertising, social media, podcasts and search to explain the impact of money laundering and prepare consumers for the identity checks that become part of everyday transactions under the new legislation. Members may also notice the campaign appearing on websites such as realestate.com.au. 

To support businesses, AUSTRAC has also released a series of free 'starter kit' videos that provide practical guidance on building, implementing and maintaining an AML/CTF programme. Members are encouraged to make use of these resources in addition to those available on FN Central. 

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.

AU: Auction reforms spark REIV warning 

👓 2 minute read

The Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) has written to every Victorian Member of Parliament urging significant changes to the proposed Consumer Legislation Amendment Bill 2026, warning that, in its current form, it could make property transactions more complex, increase costs and expose buyers, sellers, and agents to greater legal risk. 

According to the REIV, the proposed legislation creates uncertainty around reserve price changes during auction campaigns, places legal accountability on agents for decisions that ultimately belong to sellers, removes the current Section 27 early deposit release provisions, and introduces new requirements that could delay property transactions. The Institute has also questioned the need for a proposed additional database of sold prices, arguing that existing systems already provide this information. 

At this stage, members do not need to change their business practices. The Bill has not yet become law and the REIV is actively advocating for amendments before it progresses further. If the legislation is passed in a form that affects agency operations, First National will provide members with clear guidance on what has changed, when the changes take effect and what actions, if any, will be required.

NZ: New Zealand goes fully digital for bond management 

👓 2 minute read

New Zealand's tenancy bond system has reached an important milestone, with all bond transactions now moving to a fully digital service through Bond Hub or connected property management software. From 29 June, paper bond forms are no longer accepted. 

The change means property managers can now lodge and top up bonds, process refunds, and manage changes of tenant or landlord online, with the aim of reducing paperwork, improving transparency and speeding up processing times. Agencies using property management software should check with their software provider for the rollout of all new functions. Until then, transactions can be completed directly through Bond Hub. 

What do Kiwi members need to do? If your office has not already done so, register for Bond Hub or ensure your property management software is connected to the new service. It's also a good opportunity to let landlords and tenants know about the new digital process. 

AU: NSW proof of identity documents clarified 

👓 1 minute read

There was understandable confusion last week about whether NSW agents still needed to complete the state's Proof of Identity form once AML/CTF customer due diligence requirements commence on 1 July. 

The question arose because NSW Fair Trading's website indicated that agencies must comply with both the NSW Business Supervision Guidelines and the new federal AML/CTF legislation.  

Following further enquiries with NSW Fair Trading, the position has now been clarified. Where customer due diligence is carried out under the new federal AML/CTF regime, agencies are still required to complete the separate NSW Proof of Identity form.  

Agents must comply with both NSW and federal laws for proof of identity and fraud prevention. 

AU: Plan your rebrand rollout 

👓 1 minute read

The transition to our new First National brand is now underway, with rollout planned in carefully coordinated waves over the next 18 months. To help make the process as smooth as possible, we'd like every office to consider when the timing will work best for them. 

A short survey has been sent to all member offices asking you to nominate your preferred rollout window, along with any factors that could influence your timing. This might include existing signage contracts, marketing commitments, sponsorships, local events or planned office changes. 

Your feedback will help the National Support Office (NSO) coordinate the rollout, allocate support where it's needed most and maintain consistency across the network. If you haven't already completed the survey, please take a few minutes to do so. The more information we receive, the better we can plan a rollout that works for both your business and the wider network.