Network & Industry News
First National Real Estate and the wider industry
Final tips for Kuala Lumpur Convention
Our Kuala Lumpur Convention is now just a little over two weeks away, so it’s time to make sure you’re fully prepared.
Don’t forget:
- You must complete a Malaysia Digital Arrival Card 3 days before your arrival
- You must have a minimum of 6 months validity remaining on your passport
- Most of Malaysia practices Islam, so wear modest clothing (cover legs and arms) at religious sites
- There’s no need for a COVID test for entry but it’s wise to carry your International Vaccination Certificate
- Travel insurance is your responsibility
Our Convention eBook has all the information you need. Bookmark the eBook on your mobile phone for ease of access and make sure you read it now. Don’t hesitate to ask your BGM any questions or get in contact with events@firstnational.com.au.
See you soon in Kuala Lumpur.
Feeling lost in social media management? You’re not alone.
Our recent interactive digital workshop with Stephen Toms in Melbourne hit the mark, helping marketers in Victoria’s offices better manage their social media demands. Sydneysiders... we have Stephen available to you in May, so don't miss out. There's a registration link at the bottom of this page!
‘I fell into role of managing our team's social media without prior experience. This session was so helpful and clarified many of the questions I had. It outlined what 'works' on social media and provided a lot of fantastic ideas for content creation. I also enjoyed meeting the other FN team members. A positive and well-presented workshop.’
Jacquie Fox
FN Warragul
‘This was the best digital workshop I have attended with First National to date! The content was interesting and highly valuable with heaps of take aways, and Stephen's workshop style was engaging and interactive.’
Corinne Sweeney
FN Neilson Partners (Narre Warren)
Book your Convention golf now
To make your arrangements, please email aizad.hadrie@destination-asia.com with the subject line of your email saying 'First National | Golf at KLGCC enquiry'.
Meeting and greeting members
New Chief Executive, David Edwards has continued to seize opportunities to meet members at scheduled professional development events and informal gatherings.
Since our last edition of Our Fabric, David and Chairperson, Rob Westwood have met with members in Bowral, Brisbane, Perth, The Gold Coast, Traralgon and Melbourne.
Western Australia rent reforms begin in May
The WA Government passed its Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024 on 16 April 2024, ushering in a raft of reforms from May 2024 through to mid-2025.
The reforms concern:
- Retaliatory Action – estimated May 2024
- If a tenant believes their agent is retaliating (rent increase, breach notice, termination action, non-renewal) because they have exercised their rights they can challenge that action in the Magistrate’s Court
- Magistrate may set aside PM/landlord’s action or order compensation
- Rent Bidding – estimated May 2024
- Fixed amount advertising: no advertising of ‘offers between $400 and $500 pw’
- Agents must not encourage bidding above advertised price
- Rent Increases – estimated July 2024
- Increases allowed only once per 12 months
- With fixed leases, minimum 12-month time frame starts when reform begins
- With periodic leases, minimum 12-month time frame starts once fixed term ends
- Pets – estimated July 2024
- Most cases pets will be allowed but tenant must ask permission
- Landlords may refuse if a council by-law prevents pets, or there’s a good reason like the property is not fenced
- Landlord can impose reasonable restrictions like bird must stay in cage/carpets must be cleaned at end of tenancy
- Additional pet bond can be imposed
- Minor Modifications – estimated July 2024
- List of ‘minor modifications’ has not been finalised but may include hanging pictures; putting up flyscreens, planting a vegetable garden, installing water saving shower heads
- Landlords may refuse for heritage, asbestos present, or any other good reason
- ‘Reasonable conditions’ may be imposed by landlord
- Tenant must make good at end of lease
- Bond Release – estimated January-July 2025
- Tenant, landlord or agent may request release of bond
- Bond administrator notifies all parties and, if all agreed, bond will be paid
- When disputed, Consumer Protection Commissioner will hear both sides and make a decision
- Rules about when a landlord can keep the bond don’t change – where there is damage, landlord may keep bond
- Commissioner Determination – estimated July 2024
- Disputes no longer need to go to court
- Consumer Protection Commissioner rules on disputes as an independent authority (Commissioner Determination)
- All parties may make their case online
Learn about the new reforms as the Commissioner for Consumer Protection, Trish Blake, explains in the video below. National Property Manager, Debbie Fletcher, is also available to assist members during this period of change.
Transformative insights from RISE Conference
L to R: Allison MIfsud and Sarah Barton
L to R: Allison MIfsud and Sarah Barton
One powerful insight can change everything, and the RISE Leadership Advance Conference showcased an array of keynote speakers who championed themes of vulnerability and resilience, making it a standout event of the year, according to NSW Business Growth Manager, Sarah Barton.
Sarah was attending the event, which is the brainchild of FN Byron Bay (NSW) principal Chris Hanley, with FN Epping Central (NSW) principal, Allison Mifsud.
The conference featured discussions, including a poignant presentation by Jelena Dokic on overcoming personal challenges, and sessions on leadership and workplace culture from experts like Thomas McGlynn and Kristen Hansen.
The gathering also provided a unique opportunity to explore best practices in psychological safety and the neuroscience of leadership, all set against the backdrop of fostering a culture of optimism and resilience.
Finalise your implementation of NSW Supervision Guidelines
New South Wales principals have been making sure they comply with all new components of legislation by purchasing Supervision Guidelines from our partner, RMC. Don’t forget, your business could be fined $22,000 if you aren’t meeting your obligations to properly supervise your team.
If you don’t know where to start, get in contact with the experienced RMC team . They’ve created an easy to follow manual packed full of systems, procedures and checklists that you can customise. Contact lucy.gertos@firstnational.com.au for an order form today.
Actionable and inspiring training with Tom Panos
Tom Panos delivered a compelling presentation to our sales agents in Perth, wrapping up the access your network has provided to this very in demand industry speaker for 2024. As Tom says, ‘the more you sweat in training, the less you bleed on the battlefield’.
‘As my first workshop with First National, it way exceeded my expectations. Top notch trainer Tom Panos, along with the new CEO, made for a very enlightening session. Great energy!’
Stacey Veitch
FN Augusta
‘Tom Panos was a fantastic presenter with great advice and relevant tips and tricks. He is passionate and personable which made for a productive training session!’
Michelle Camus
FN Busselton
Register now for May’s professional development
You’ve seen the positive impacts of professional development that your First National colleagues rave about. Make sure you don’t miss the opportunities coming up next month.
NSW
Digital Training with Stephen Toms – 2 May
When: 9:30 am to 2:00 pm AEST
Where: Rydges Parramatta, Sydney
QLD
Key Stage 2 Rental Reforms Training with Stacey Holt – 8 May
When: 9:30 am to 12:30 pm AEST
Where: Mantra Mooloolaba Beach, Sunshine Coast