SCA Advocacy in Action: National Influence, Local Impact

As community living continues to expand across Australia and New Zealand, the management of strata-titled properties is becoming more complex and vital to the delivery of modern housing. SCA is leading the charge in every jurisdiction, shaping policy conversations, advancing legislative reform and driving public understanding. With a commitment to better governance, professionalism and national consistency, SCA is ensuring strata remains strong and future-ready. 

Over the past two months, SCA has been actively advocating on behalf of its members in advocacy in every state and territory. From formal inquiries and regulatory reviews to direct government engagement and media campaigns, SCA is making a measurable impact for members and the broader community. 

SCA Australasia advocacy update  

It’s been a landmark month for national advocacy, with SCA Australasia making significant progress on several fronts. 

Led by President Joshua Baldwin, an SCA delegation travelled to Canberra during the first sitting week of the 48th Parliament. The team met with federal MPs, senior advisors, and key departments to put strata at the centre of national housing, energy, and sustainability policy conversations. Our message was clear – strata must be recognised as a core component of Australia’s housing future, representing over 5 million residents nationwide. 

A major milestone from the visit was the confirmation from Minister for Climate Change and Energy, The Hon. Chris Bowen, that strata communities are eligible to access the Federal Government’s Solar Battery Rebate. This is a huge step forward in making clean energy more accessible for apartments and townhouses across the country. 

July also saw the official introduction of the SCA National Code of Conduct – a first-of-its-kind framework setting the standard for ethical, professional strata management across Australia and New Zealand. The Code reinforces our industry’s commitment to accountability, transparency and best practice. 

These achievements have driven strong national media interest, with SCA featured across ABC Radio, The Australian, major print outlets and online publications. Our advocacy voice is being heard louder than ever, helping to position SCA as the peak representative for the strata sector at both government and community levels. 

SCA will continue working with all levels of government to ensure strata communities remain a key focus in housing, energy and regulatory reform agendas. 

Australian Capital Territory: Inquiry sets the stage for reform 

The ACT Legislative Assembly’s inquiry into the Unit Titles (Management) Act has placed strata front and centre. SCA (ACT) has played a leading role, submitting a detailed, member-informed response calling for stronger governance, improved transparency and better financial protections. SCA (ACT) also appeared at the public hearing and engaged directly with MLAs to raise concerns about outdated legislation, hardship provisions and the need for enhanced training for strata managers and committee members. SCA’s presence at the ACT Strata Conference further reinforced its leadership, establishing the Territory as a model for effective local reform. 

New South Wales: Legislation and research driving impact 

In New South Wales, the introduction of recent legislation has created a platform for targeted advocacy. SCA (NSW) has responded with submissions addressing strata manager agreements, insurance commissions and debt recovery. A major achievement is the research partnership with the AEC Group, examining commission structures and transparency. This research has supported engagement with the Minister for Fair Trading and key MPs. SCA (NSW) has strengthened its team with a Senior Policy and Advocacy Officer, a communications adviser and a government relations consultant, enabling broader media reach and sharper policy positioning. The advocacy strategy is shifting public and political understanding of the sector’s importance. 

New Zealand: National collaboration and legislative input 

Across the Tasman, SCA (NZ) continues to build national momentum. With legislative modernisation underway and sector recognition increasing, SCA (NZ) has been active in working with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to provide industry-informed advice on unit title management and apartment governance. A key focus has been contributing to the review of the Unit Titles Act, advocating for stronger body corporate standards, clearer roles and responsibilities, and protections for owners and managers. SCA (NZ) is also strengthening cross-sector collaboration with property, legal and consumer organisations, helping to raise awareness of the unique challenges in the New Zealand strata landscape. Member consultation has been central to shaping SCA (NZ)’s policy direction, and ongoing dialogue with MPs and regulatory agencies is ensuring that proposed reforms are practical and future-ready. 

Queensland: Regulatory reform and strategic engagement 

In Queensland, long-term advocacy has reached a milestone, with formal discussions now underway with the state government to introduce a regulatory framework for professional strata managers. The proposed reforms will cover mandatory qualifications, education standards and codes of conduct. SCA (Qld) will soon seek member participation in a working group to help shape these reforms. Submissions to the Productivity Commission and the Planning and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 have underlined the importance of strata to the state’s housing infrastructure. SCA (Qld) is also in talks with the Attorney-General’s Office regarding the Seller Disclosure Certificate, pushing for a fairer fee structure. Continued engagement with MPs and the Ministerial Construction and Building Advisory Council keeps critical issues like cladding, defects and workforce shortages on the agenda. 

South Australia and Northern Territory: Expanding influence 

In South Australia, SCA (SA/NT) has established relationships with a number of MPs to improve the legislation before parliament, and has also put forward a submission on short-stay accommodation. SCA (SA/NT) has provided expert, balanced recommendations that reflect both community needs and commercial realities. In the Northern Territory, advocacy is ramping up post-election, with new relationships formed with MPs, departmental leaders and the strata schemes supervisor. More targeted engagement will occur later this year to engage members directly members and stakeholders directly on licensing, compliance and education issues, reinforcing SCA’s growing presence in the Territory.  

Victoria: Public safety and sector visibility 

SCA (Vic) is preparing for the Expert Panel to Review Owners Corporation Laws, announced on 13 June 2025. The review will assess the effectiveness of the 2021 reforms, short-stay accommodation rules, hardship arrangements, voting processes and misconduct by managers. SCA (Vic) is committed to representing the sector in this review. New legislation passed in March 2025 will introduce mandatory training for all owners corporation managers from June 2027. SCA (Vic) is consulting members to ensure reforms are practical and reflective of on-the-ground experience. Member input will be vital in shaping policy that works for both professionals and the communities they serve. 

Western Australia: Strategic alignment and policy leadership 

SCA (WA) is progressing its work with Landgate and the state government on amendments to the Strata Titles (General) Regulations 1996. These changes, due by 1 November 2025, will introduce mandatory education requirements for strata managers, with a two-year transition period. The Legislative, Advocacy and Policy Committee is developing new Best Practice Guides and comprehensive policy positions to guide future advocacy. Work is also underway to redevelop the Strata Management Agreement Template, incorporating updated legislation and best practice standards for improved usability.