The Auctioneers and Valuers Association of Australia (AVAA) offers this guidance for those wishing to make a complaint against an AVAA Certified Valuer (CVAu), AVAA Certified Auctioneer (CAAu) or AVAA Corporate Member.  This process is designed to determine whether conduct has breached the AVAA Professional Standards.

It is important to appreciate that this is not a dispute resolution pathway, with AVAA unable to help you seek a financial remedy to an issue that may exist.

If you are seeking assistance to resolve a personal or business matter, including circumstances where you may be seeking a refund, in the first instance we encourage to you negotiate in good faith with the member.  You may also wish to contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or your state or territory Fair Trading body, who are best placed to assist.

To make a complaint, please follow these important steps:

Step 1: Confirm that the person or organisation is a current AVAA Certified Valuers (CVAu), AVAA Certified Auctioneer (CAAu) or AVAA Corporate Member. Complaints can only be considered against individuals or organisations who hold valid membership at the time.

Step 2: Submit your concerns in writing including any relevant attachments. A formal written complaint is required to be considered by AVAA. This ensures clarity, fairness, and accuracy in assessing the circumstances outlined in your submission.

Step 3: Anonymous complaints cannot be received. To ensure fairness and transparency, complainants must identify themselves. This allows the AVAA to properly evaluate the matter and provide the member with an opportunity to respond.

Step 4: Please note that the subject of the complaint will receive a full copy of your submission, including your name and contact details. This ensures natural justice and fairness for all parties involved.

Step 5: Provide all supporting documentation. This may include contracts, correspondence, or other evidence relevant to the complaint. Complete information enables the AVAA to carefully and fairly assess the circumstances in line with the AVAA Professional Standards.

Step 6: Once received, your complaint will be reviewed in accordance with AVAA procedures. You will be advised of next steps, and the matter will be considered with care, professionalism, and respect for all parties.  Please note that this may take six to eight weeks.

The AVAA complaint process exists to uphold the integrity and reputation of auctioneers and valuers. By carefully assessing complaints against our AVAA Professional Standards, we protect the professionalism of our members and strengthen community confidence.

By following this process, you are helping the AVAA maintain the highest standards of ethics and professionalism. We appreciate your commitment to fairness and integrity, which strengthens trust in Australia’s auctioneering and valuation sectors.

If you wish to submit a complaint follow the process above (be sure to include any attachments in your email) and forward it to via email to complaints@avaa.com.au.
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Interested In Finding Out More?

For further information on becoming a member, please send an email to complaints@avaa.com.au or telephone 1300 928 165.  You can also stay up to date by following AVAA on LinkedIn, X/Twitter and Facebook.