AVAA Code of Ethics
The Auctioneers and Valuers Association of Australia (AVAA) Code of Ethics sets out the ethical standards and professional principles that govern the conduct of all AVAA members. This Code exists to promote integrity, professionalism, transparency, and accountability within the auctioneering and valuation industries. It reflects the AVAA’s core values of trust, respect, and service to the public.
This Code applies to all members of the AVAA, including individual practitioners, employees, sole traders, and corporate entities. By adhering to this Code, members affirm their commitment to the highest standards of ethical behaviour and contribute to maintaining public confidence in the profession.
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Integrity and Professional Conduct
1.1. Members must not engage in conduct that is misleading or deceptive, whether deliberately or through negligence.
1.2. Where a conflict arises between the member’s duty to uphold this Code and the instructions of a client, the member must decline to act for the client if necessary.
1.3. Members must always act honestly, fairly, and in the best interests of their clients, within the bounds of the law.
Competence and Legal Compliance
2.1. Members must keep themselves informed of their legal and professional obligations and must comply with both the letter and the spirit of these obligations.
2.2. Members must ensure they maintain the professional competence necessary to provide high-quality services.
Transparency and Fair Dealing
3.1. Members must, before accepting a retainer, provide prospective clients with written disclosure of all relevant fees and charges.
3.2. Members must clearly identify themselves and their role in all professional dealings.
Confidentiality and Conflicts of Interest
4.1. Members must respect client confidentiality and must not misuse confidential information for personal or third-party gain.
4.2. Members must avoid conflicts of interest wherever possible and must disclose any actual or potential conflicts to affected parties in a timely manner.
Responsibility to the Association
5.1. Members must support the AVAA and act to protect and promote its reputation and objectives.
5.2. Members must not seek or accept commercial advantage from holding any office within the AVAA, nor refer to such office in commercial advertising or promotions.
Reporting Misconduct
6.1. Members must promptly report to the Association any conduct by another member that appears to breach this Code, the AVAA Rules of Conduct, or that may otherwise be considered unbecoming of a professional member.
Conduct in Employment
7.1. Members who are employees must not participate in or condone unethical conduct carried out by their employer.
Financial and Insurance Obligations
8.1. Corporate and Sole Trader Auctioneer Members must maintain a trust account, which must be audited annually.
8.2. All Corporate and Sole Trader Auctioneer and Valuer Members must hold and maintain adequate Professional Indemnity Insurance.
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Failure to comply with this Code of Ethics may result in disciplinary action by the AVAA in accordance with its disciplinary procedures. Such action may include warnings, suspension, or termination of membership, depending on the severity of the breach. The AVAA is committed to ensuring that all complaints and breaches are handled fairly, promptly, and transparently.
AVAA Code of Ethics
- Members must not engage in conduct that is deliberately misleading or deceptive or through negligence is likely to mislead or deceive. If there is any conflict between this obligation and the requirements of a client, a member must if necessary decline to act for the client.
- Members must always act in the best interests of their clients, within the law.
- Members must keep themselves informed of their legal obligations and honour both the letter and the spirit of these obligations.
- Members, before accepting a retainer from a prospective client, must inform them in writing of all relevant fees and charges.
- Members must respect clients’ confidential information and not take unfair advantage of it.
- Members must always fully identify themselves in all their dealings.
- Members must support the Association and use their best endeavours to protect and promote the Association’s objects and reputation.
- Members must not seek any commercial profit from holding any office with the Association. Members must not refer to any office they may hold with the Association, when advertising.
- Members must promptly give the Association full details if they become aware of conduct by another member which is in breach of this Code or the Rules of Conduct or otherwise unbecoming of a member.
- Members who are employees must not join in any unbecoming conduct by their employers.
- Corporate and Sole Trader Auctioneer Members must maintain a Trust Account which is to be audited annually.
- Corporate and Sole Trader Auctioneer and Valuer Members must maintain Professional Indemnity Insurance.
