Real estate laws and regulations are different between each state. As a result, each state has a “regulatory body” that governs the real estate industry, processes, and licences/registrations. This is done to protect the agent and the consumer and ensure that the industry maintains the legal and ethical requirements.
The regulatory body provides information to consumers and agents alike, provide forms and issues licences.
Australian regulatory bodies:
NSW: NSW Fair Trading
QLD: QLD Fair Trading
WA: Consumer Protection (Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety - DMIRS)
ACT: Access Canberra
SA: Consumer and Business Services (CBS)
VIC: Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV)