Raising the Standard: SCA’s National Code of Ethics Sets New Benchmark for Strata Professionals Across Australia and New Zealand

In a landmark move to professionalise and elevate ethical standards across the strata sector, the SCA has officially launched its National Code of Ethics. This pivotal initiative is part of SCA’s long-term commitment to shaping a trusted, respected and professional industry that serves the interests of millions of Australians and New Zealanders who call strata home.

The launch marks a defining moment in the evolution of the strata sector. It brings consistency, accountability and transparency to the forefront, reinforcing SCA’s broader reform agenda to instil professional values, strengthen community trust and deliver better outcomes for lot owners, residents, and the public.

More than 2.5 million Australians and hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders now live in strata-titled communities. The new Code establishes a shared foundation of ethical conduct grounded in integrity, responsibility, respect and openness.

A new era of professionalism

Strata management is a people-centred profession, requiring strata professionals to navigate complex legal frameworks, mediate disputes, manage finances and foster cohesive communities. Until recently, the industry operated under differing regional codes. To ensure national consistency and align with other professional sectors, SCA introduced a unified Code of Ethics and complaints process to guide conduct and strengthen accountability.

SCA National President Joshua Baldwin says this inconsistency is precisely what the National Code of Ethics was designed to address.

“This Code is about embedding a culture of accountability and integrity. It is about setting expectations not just for what strata professionals do, but how they do it. We want every owner, resident and client to feel confident they are dealing with someone who holds themselves to the highest standards.”

Strata managers are at the heart of our most dynamic and fast-growing communities. They deserve to be recognised as the professionals they are. That starts with a clear, enforceable ethical framework.

The Code commits all SCA members, whether strata managers, suppliers or affiliated professionals, to uphold key principles:

• Ethical stewardship
• Compliance with law and regulation
• Transparency and disclosure
• Integrity and honesty
• Fairness and impartiality
• Confidentiality and privacy
• Competence and diligence
• Respectful communication and conduct
• Service to the strata community
• Upholding reputation and interests

For a detailed explanation of each principle and to download the full Code, visit: www.strata.community/code-of-ethics

These values are not merely aspirational. They are enforceable through a strengthened Complaints Management Process that ensures allegations of unethical conduct are investigated fairly, transparently and with procedural rigour.

A framework for ethical accountability

The Complaints Management Process forms the backbone of the Code’s implementation. Unlike customer service channels or operational mediation processes, it is purpose built to evaluate ethical complaints. These might include dishonesty, conflict of interest, misuse of authority or any conduct that undermines trust in the sector.

Complaints are assessed through a structured, evidence based process underpinned by four principles:

Fairness: Ensuring all parties are heard and that outcomes are based on facts and due process.

Transparency: Clearly communicating processes, decisions and reasoning.

Accessibility: Presenting the process in plain language with guidance and support.

Supportive engagement: Encouraging all parties to act in good faith and with mutual respect.

Only submissions made through the official online complaints form and supported by substantiating evidence will be reviewed. While anonymous complaints are generally discouraged, they may be accepted in cases where serious issues are raised and compelling evidence is provided.

Joshua Baldwin emphasised that this robust approach was crucial to the Code’s credibility.

“Accountability means more than words on a page. That’s why we have built an ethical complaints framework that is fair, transparent and professional, just like the sector we’re striving to build.”

From reform to reality

The Code of Ethics is not an isolated reform. It is the latest milestone in SCA’s broader vision to modernise and professionalise the strata sector by fostering a culture of change.

Over the past several years, SCA has:

• Advocated successfully for legislative and regulatory reform in multiple jurisdictions
• Rescoped the National qualifications, creating clearer professional development education and pathways
• Rolled out the industry’s first Professional Standards Scheme in NSW
• Championed improved training, minimum education and governance standards
• Driven national advocacy for the appointment of strata commissioners in every state and territory

The development of the Code itself was a collaborative effort, shaped by consultation with members, regulatory bodies, legal experts, lot owners and stakeholders across the industry. Its purpose was to reflect the practical challenges and real-world responsibilities that professionals face every day, while aligning with broader community expectations.

“Our members told us they wanted to see professionalism recognised, and unethical behaviour called out. The Code delivers that,” Baldwin said.

Elevating the strata brand

In a landscape where community living is rapidly becoming the norm, trust in strata professionals is critical. Strata managers are stewards of community harmony, guardians of significant financial assets and mediators of diverse interests. The Code of Ethics reinforces public confidence by setting a transparent benchmark for ethical conduct.

Government, media and the broader public are increasingly scrutinising the conduct of professionals in every sector and strata is no exception. With rising expectations around transparency, compliance and consumer rights, the sector needs to clearly demonstrate its commitment to doing things right.

“This Code sends a clear message to governments, regulators and all stakeholders. We are not waiting to be told to lift our standards. We are leading the way,” Baldwin said.

The launch of the Code also enhances SCA’s ability to influence national policy conversations. As states consider overhauls of strata legislation, training systems and oversight models, the Code offers a practical, best-practice example of how to enforce ethical behaviour without relying solely on statutory enforcement.

SCA’s advocacy has already helped shape important regulatory improvements, such as New South Wales adopting the structure of SCA’s Strata Insurance Disclosure Best Practice Guide, and strengthened financial transparency provisions in the ACT. The Code now provides a vital ethical foundation to build upon these achievements.

Preparing for the future

The launch of the National Code of Ethics is just the beginning. SCA has outlined a detailed implementation plan that includes:

• Integrating the Code into all future training modules and best practice documentation
• Supporting members to understand and embed the Code in daily practice
• Promoting awareness of the Code among lot owners, developers and government
• Continual improvements to the Complaints Management Process in response to feedback and experience

Importantly, the Code will also be embedded in the development of SCA’s upcoming National Registered Training Organisation. This initiative, set to launch in 2025, will create a gold standard of education for strata professionals. It will ensure ethical conduct is taught and assessed alongside technical skill and legal knowledge.

“We are investing in the future of this profession. Ethics and education go hand in hand. That is why our new training organisation will embed the Code at every level of learning and accreditation,” Baldwin said.

This integrated approach will ensure that future strata managers are not only well trained in laws and procedures, but also in the values and expectations that come with managing communities.

Why it matters

The need for ethical leadership in the strata sector is more than a professional aspiration. It is a public responsibility. From cladding safety and building defects to financial mismanagement and committee dysfunction, strata communities are increasingly complex environments that demand integrity and skill.

The Code is a foundational tool for guiding conduct, promoting trust and protecting communities. It empowers residents and owners with the assurance that SCA members are committed to fair, ethical and transparent service. It also reassures government and regulators that the profession is proactively raising standards from within.

“Strata should be a profession people are proud to be part of. With the Code of Ethics, we are saying loud and clear – ethics matter, trust matters, and the way we serve our communities matters,” Baldwin said.

As SCA continues to expand its leadership in advocacy, education and sector development, the National Code of Ethics will remain a central pillar of its mission. It represents not just what the sector is, but what it aspires to be. Ethical, accountable, professional and proud.

In a world where more and more people are choosing to live in apartments, townhouses and strata communities, the professionals who support them must be equipped to lead with integrity. The Code is SCA’s promise to the future of strata. A future built on trust.