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After four years at the helm of the state body, Damian Collins will finish up his tenure this Thursday, 13 October.
Having been with the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia (REIWA) for 11 years, which includes time on its council and as deputy president, Mr Collins was elected to the state’s top job following the departure of current Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) president Hayden Groves in September 2018.
Reflecting on his time as president, he outlined that it “has been a particularly interesting and rewarding journey”.
“When I was elected back in 2018, the property market was experiencing a significant downturn. Over the last few years, the market recovered strongly and has never looked back. I am confident that the solid market conditions we have been experiencing will continue well into the future,” he explained.
“Real estate, like all industries, had to adapt during COVID-19, and I was particularly proud of how our members dealt with the challenges and still ensured people could buy, sell and rent property during these times.
“Despite the challenges of recent years and even with price growth and interest rate rises, we are very lucky to live in a state where the dream of home ownership is very much alive. Western Australia has some of the cheapest housing in the country, and it remains very affordable for many West Australians.”
Despite stepping away from his presidential duties, Mr Collins expressed that he was “looking forward to continuing service on REIWA’s council, and I’m excited to see the new president lead the institute into its next phase”.
He added: “I am especially thankful for the relationships and networks I have made along the way, from journalists to members of parliament; it’s been very rewarding advocating on behalf of the industry.”
Throughout his four years in charge, Mr Collins criticised the state government for oversight related to a number of housing issues, including in late 2021, for missing the mark on including housing reform in the state budget and as well as pushing back on a host of proposed changes to the state’s rental legislative changes earlier this year.
Mr Collins expressed his confidence in the ability of REIWA chief executive officer Cath Hart — whose appointment he oversaw in February — to “continue to build on REIWA’s achievements as the new REIWA spokesperson”.
The 2022–23 REIWA council will meet on Thursday to elect a new president.
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