President / CEO Report – Summer 2023

As we look ahead towards another year, SCA are proud of what we accomplished in 2022. Last year, as an organisation, SCA was eminently concerned with becoming a household name, an organisation that is known well by the public, the media and government alike. With record breaking levels of media and government engagement, the metrics we reached last year are an indicator that we achieved these goals with flying colours.

In 2023, SCA is resolutely focused on utilising the momentum we have gained up to this point, and we are aiming to become the loudest voice in the room for the strata industry, leading the conversation, and becoming the go to source for government and media on all things strata.

Advocacy

In line with these objectives, SCA is maintaining a strong focus on our advocacy efforts, both nationally, and in every jurisdiction across Australia and New Zealand.

The theme of professionalism continues to be a primary focal point for our organisation, as we strive to ensure that the professionalism that our industry demonstrates is translated into improved recognition of the sector. Ultimately, SCA hopes to usher the strata management industry towards a model of regulation that serves to raise the standard of service, and results in the best possible outcomes for both our members and consumers. The ABS reclassification of the ANZSCO occupational groupings underway this year is a core component of achieving these aspirations, as we seek to demonstrate our exclusivity from other occupations like Property Managers and Real Estate Agents (in the eyes of the government).

Reading the tea leaves, and knowing that approximately 20 per cent of Australia’s vehicles live in strata complexes like apartments and townhouses, SCA has been proactively

engaged in the national electric vehicle discussion on a number of fronts. Through the recent formation of the Strata Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Taskforce (SEVIT), the release of our Phase 1: EVs in Strata State of Play Report, and our provision of numerous submissions to electric vehicle consultations across the country, SCA is ensuring that strata and the challenges facing our sector on this issue are firmly entrenched in the minds of decision makers.

This year, SCA also expects the extensive discourse around strata insurance to continue, with notable events on the calendar including the public release of the Treasury Quality of Advice Review, and Phase 3 John Trowbridge’s Independent Review of Strata Insurance Practices. When considering the increasing frequency of disaster weather events across the continent, and the ignition of the Northern Australian Reinsurance Pool, strata insurance is sure to be front of mind in for all, in every corner of the strata industry.

Respect Taskforce

You may remember last year the mention of the SCA National Respect Taskforce. We are pleased to say that the Respect Campaign is underway, and we look forward to being the voice of change within the strata community. Beginning with the Respect Pledge, you’ll begin to see a sharing of information that is intended to create a respectful living and working environment within strata.

Looking Ahead

Consistent with an ever-shifting political climate, the NSW State Election is set to be held on Saturday 25 March 2023. SCA (NSW) has been hard at work in the background over the past few months, gathering feedback and information from our members, to dial in on what the most pertinent issues relating to the strata sector in Australia’s largest jurisdiction. This feedback will be utilised to formulate a larger campaign, focused on the promotion of the strata industry in the lead up to the election.

Also, be on the lookout for the release of the next edition of the Australasian Strata Insights Report. SCA have again partnered with the UNSW City Futures team, to a deliver comprehensive analysis on the strata sector in Australasia. The report plays an extremely important role in supporting academic research into the strata sector, and is utilised as a core piece of data for the advocacy of the industry as a whole.

SCA National Conference

The 2023 National Conference ‘Standards Matter’ is being put together behind the scenes and we are pleased to announce that this year it will be held in Darwin, NT.

The focus on this year’s event is professionalism and standards, with a range of topics being covered for those wanting to take their business to the next level.

For those that haven’t attended the National Conference before, it is a chance for you to enhance your education and absorb the knowledge of professional leaders.

Don’t miss your chance to network with like-minded industry professionals at this year’s National Conference, 5-7 June 2023.

SCA is excited to have played a role in the significant growth and success we have continued to see develop throughout the strata sector. SCA is looking forward to another stellar year, and maintaining the upward trajectory that we have all worked so hard to bring about.