Agent fined $5,000 for not completing compulsory professional development
Mark Alan Henderson, a real estate agent located in Western Australia's Spearwood, has been fined $5,000 for failing to complete the compulsory professional development (CPD) program.
The program is a condition of the renewal of his triennial certificate, and he has been ordered to pay the $5,000 and costs of $600 as a result of not completing the CPD.
The agreement was made at mediation at the State Administrative Tribunal on 17 January 2014.
They also ordered that his licence and triennial certificate would be suspended for six months if he does not comply by 30 April 2014.
In August 2012, Henderson had his triennial certificate renewed with the condition of completing the outstanding requirements of the CPD program by February 2013.
Currently, all real estate agents, sales representatives, business agents and property managers must obtain 10 points in a 12 month period under the CPD program by taking part in a number of development activities.
Commissioner for Consumer Protection, Anne Driscoll, said that it's a crucial program to ensure the standards of skills and knowledge of those in the industry.
“The CPD program is designed to increase the professionalism of those working in the real estate and business broking industries, so it is imperative that licence and certificate holders comply completely with this very important licensing requirement,” Driscoll said.
“Failure to complete the required training will leave industry participants open to disciplinary action and may jeopardise the renewal of their licence or certificate of registration.”