2. Learning / Development

Member Template AI Policy Ready For Implementation

👓 2 minute read

First National Real Estate has developed an Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy template that’s ready for your office to implement.

The policy establishes that technology must only serve as an assistive tool rather than a substitute for professional human judgement, particularly regarding decision-making and marketing. It categorises AI tasks into permitted, restricted, and prohibited tiers to ensure that high-risk activities, such as tenant selection or price setting, remain under human control. 

Furthermore, the guidelines strictly forbid the uploading of sensitive personal data or internal financial records into AI systems to maintain privacy compliance. 

Staff are granted access to a specific stack of approved software, provided they disable data-harvesting features to protect brand integrity and privacy principles. 

Ultimately, the policy ensures that licensed professionals remain personally accountable for all AI-generated outputs and client interactions.

• Download the policy template and adapt to suit your office

• Read and discuss the AI policy with team members

• Put up the A4 traffic light poster to remind staff of your risk framework

• Require staff to watch this brief training video

• Look out for upcoming training on this subject

Privacy Policy & OAIC Audits

👓 1 minute read

First National members are reminded that the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) is conducting audits of real estate agencies to affirm that:

• A compliant privacy policy is in use

• That all employees in the agency understand and live the policy on a daily basis

• That an appropriate collection notice is displayed where private information is requested

• That all other requirements are being adhered

All principals and administrators are asked to review documentation available in the AI and Privacy Policy area on FN Central, and assure that your team has informed of their obligations.

VCAT Portal Changes Now in Effect

👓 3 minute read

Notices to Vacate

• From 9 February, all notices to vacate must be created via the myVCAT portal

• From June 2026, all other residential tenancy notices, including notices for rent arrears, will also be processed through myVCAT

This has direct operational implications for property management teams. Agencies should ensure:

• Staff are trained in the portal

• Internal templates and workflows are updated

• Procedural compliance is reviewed

REIV is offering a portal demonstration and further discussion at the PM Conference on 19 March.

Security Risk – Vacant Homes

Reports indicate increasing break-ins at vacant properties listed for sale or lease.

Agencies are urged to:

• Relocate key lock boxes away from front doors

• Consider holding keys at the office

This is a practical risk management issue with both insurance and reputational implications.

SMS Sender ID Register – Action Required

If your agency uses SMS marketing with a sender ID, registration will be mandatory by 1 July 2026 under new telecommunications regulation.

Failure to register may disrupt marketing communications.

Payday Super – New Employer Obligation

From 1 July 2026, superannuation must be paid each payday.

Victorian agencies employing staff should:

• Review payroll systems

• Confirm compliance processes

Anzac Day Trading Restrictions

Anzac Day falls on Saturday 25 April.

No trading is permitted before 1.00 pm. This includes:

• Auctions

• Inspections

• Any office business activity

Agencies should plan campaign timelines and auction schedules carefully.

Upcoming Training Opportunities

NSW

What: Property Management Think Tank

When: 12 March 2026 10:00 am to 1:30 pm

Where: Fort Scratchley Function Centre, Newcastle

Register: Click here

What: Principals & Property Management Think Tank

When: 17 March 2026 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Where: First National Real Estate Armidale

Register: Click here

What: Property Management Training with Hermione Gardiner

When: 19 March 2026 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Where: Sage Hotel Wollongong 

Register: Click here

WA

What: CPD Training

When: 13 March 2026 8:30 am to 2:00 pm

Where: REIWA Headquarters, Subiaco

Register: Click here

SA/NT

What: Business Owner and Emerging Leaders Training with Julie Davis

When:  26 March 2026 10:00 am to 3:00 pm

Where: Arkaba Hotel, Adelaide

Register: Click here

NATIONAL 

What: HR Accelerator Series: Recruitment & Selection (Session One)

When: 24 March 2026 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm AEDT

Where: Zoom Webinar

Register: Click here