SCA Advocacy in Action

As community living continues to grow across Australia and New Zealand, the complexity, visibility and responsibility of managing strata properties is expanding just as rapidly. Strata Managers, owners corporations, developers and residents are navigating a dynamic housing environment shaped by population growth, urban density, housing affordability challenges and increasing expectations around transparency, sustainability and governance.

In response to this shifting landscape, SCA has launched one of its most significant national advocacy campaigns to date. From legislative reform and stakeholder engagement to national policy alignment and media visibility, SCA’s coordinated efforts are not only raising the profile of the strata sector, but also delivering meaningful reforms that improve outcomes for residents, managers, and policymakers alike.

The past two months have marked a period of highimpact policy activity, with every state and territory engaged, multiple policy submissions finalised, and strategic relationships with governments at all levels either established or strengthened. With a clear focus on professionalism, regulation and reform, SCA’s advocacy machine is operating with more influence and clarity than ever before.

National pulse: Elevating strata at the federal level

Following the recent federal election, SCA acted quickly to recalibrate its policy focus in line with the new political landscape. Post-election policy positions were developed to address key federal priorities such as housing supply, energy efficiency and community resilience. Congratulations letters were sent to newly elected Members of Parliament, and plans were confirmed for a delegation to visit Canberra during the first sitting week of the new Parliament.

This federal advocacy mission will include high-level meetings with ministers, departmental officials, and members of the press gallery to ensure strata remains visible and respected on the national policy agenda.

SCA continues to represent the sector on several critical national stakeholder groups. These include the Residential Energy Efficiency Disclosure initiative, NABERS apartment energy ratings, and the National Energy Efficiency Roundtable. Through these forums, SCA is driving the conversation about how strata living fits within the broader national objectives of climate action, cost-of-living relief and better housing infrastructure.

Media engagement is also playing a vital role. In the past eight weeks, SCA has issued more than a dozen media releases, secured high-profile coverage in traditional and online publications, and strengthened its social media campaign. These efforts are supported by a renewed media monitoring program that allows SCA to assess sentiment, track its influence and proactively respond to issues as they arise.

Victoria: Your voice in action

SCA (Vic) has lodged a comprehensive submission to the Victorian Government’s review of the Owners Corporations Act 2006. This is an important chance to shape the future of our sector — and your voices have been at the heart of it.

More than 200 members took part in our survey, sharing not only responses to the review questions but also raising extra issues you face every day. Every comment was read, considered, and fed into the recommendations we put forward.

A big thank you to everyone who contributed their time and ideas, and also to our Advocacy Advisory Committee, Board, and working group who worked countless hours to refine and finalise the submission. The result is a strong, member-driven paper that reflects the real challenges and opportunities in strata.

In the submission, SCA (Vic) emphasised the critical role Strata Managers play in keeping communities running smoothly – from governance and compliance to dispute resolution. We also pushed for practical reforms that will cut down on complexity, reduce costs, and bring greater clarity for managers and owners alike.

This is a big opportunity for positive change, and we’ll continue to advocate on your behalf. We’ll also be meeting with key decision-makers to make sure the government understands the real impact of its decisions on your work and your communities.

The review panel’s final report is expected in December, and we’ll keep you updated as soon as it’s released. In the meantime, know that your voice is being heard loud and clear through SCA (Vic). Together, we’re making sure the future of strata is stronger, clearer, and more sustainable.

You can read the submission here: tinyurl.com/4e6u3csw

Western Australia: Shaping the future

SCA (WA) remains at the forefront of advocacy for the strata sector, continuing to work closely with Landgate and the Western Australian Government on key reforms.

Over recent months, we have been actively involved in discussions with Landgate as it finalises changes to the Strata Titles (General) Regulations 1996 [ST(G)R] which were introduced 30 October 2025.

These regulation amendments more accurately define roles within strata and include minimum education and experience requirements for strata managers following a two-year transition period.

Looking ahead, preparation is already underway for the second phase of consultation on the five-year review of the Strata Titles Act 1985 which will be a pivotal opportunity to further shape the future of strata regulation in WA.

Through its Legislative, Advocacy and Policy (LAP) Committee, SCA (WA) is delivering new resources designed to strengthen confidence and consistency across the sector. Recently released Best Practice Guides include Meeting Conduct Protocol for Strata Company Meetings, Managing Disruptive Behaviour at Meetings, and Inspection of Records. Further guides are under review, with more to be rolled out in the coming months.

Our focus extends beyond advocacy to the everyday practice of strata management. Work is underway to update the Strata Management Agreement Template to better reflect legislative requirements and embed best practice standards. Once completed, the new template will be made available to all members, providing a more user-friendly and legally robust document for use by Strata Managers and strata companies alike.

At the same time, SCA (WA) is working to build greater awareness among strata owners and the wider community about the value of engaging professional, accredited Strata Managers. Expanding education initiatives for owners remains a key part of this strategy.

New South Wales: Reform in motion

In New South Wales, the introduction of the Strata and Community Land Management Amendment Bill marked a milestone moment for the sector. SCA has played a pivotal role in guiding the development of this legislation by coordinating meetings with Members of Parliament, including a key consultation with the Minister for Fair Trading. Several in-depth policy submissions were also delivered, addressing insurance commissions, debt recovery processes and the renewal of strata management agreements.

A major highlight has been SCA’s partnership with the AEC Group on strata insurance commissions. The research produced has been transformed into clear policy briefings, talking points, and advocacy collateral that is now being used to inform legislative negotiations and educate the public.

SCA (NSW) has reaffirmed its support for a voluntary, phased replacement of insurance commissions from 1 January 2026, as the sector transitions toward a fair, transparent, fee-based remuneration model. The NSW Board will meet following the NSW Productivity and Equality Commission Report being released end of February 2026 to review recommendations and review next steps for a mandatory transition from the current commission-based to model to an equivalent fee structure, phased over three years as existing management agreements are renewed.

Queensland

It has been an extremely busy quarter for advocacy and stakeholder engagement at SCA (Qld). The Community Titles Legislation Working Group has continued and SCA (Qld) has already made a submission. SCA (Qld) has also made submissions to government on issues as diverse as tobacco reform, building standards, planning and productivity in the construction sector.

SCA (Qld) is now a member of a variety of industry taskforces, working with diverse stakeholders such as the Queensland Disability Network, Q-Shelter and the Small Business Commissioner. These opportunities help promote understanding and acceptance of strata as a core part of the broader property sector.

The issue of the fee for the new seller disclosure regime has loomed large in recent weeks, and SCA (Qld) has been on the front foot, preparing advocacy resources for members, writing to the Attorney-General and being loud in the media. SCA (Qld) will always make sure that the professional services provided by members are respected by government, and urges all members to get behind this important campaign.

SCA (Qld) is also working towards finally getting an appropriate regulatory framework for strata management. The sector has now hit a critical mass, and it is important that the professionalism of our industry reflects just how important SCA has become to the Queensland economy.

The SCA (Qld) advocacy program goes from strength to strength, and the team is confident that the next twelve months will yield significant achievements for strata in Queensland.

Australian Capital Territory: Inquiry brings strata to the forefront

In the Australian Capital Territory, the spotlight is now firmly on strata management. The ACT Legislative Assembly is conducting a formal inquiry into the effectiveness of the Unit Titles (Management) Act. This is a critical opportunity to modernise the legislation and ensure it reflects the current and future needs of strata communities.

SCA (ACT) has been front and centre in the process. Through extensive member consultation, a comprehensive submission was prepared and delivered. This was followed by face-to-face engagement with Members of the Legislative Assembly, including meetings with key committee members. SCA also appeared at the public hearing, delivering expert testimony that highlighted the lived experiences of Strata Managers and lot owners.

SCA (ACT) recently held a workshop with members to discuss the transition away from insurance commissions toward a transparent, fixed fee, fee-for-service or blended model. The session provided practical guidance on implementing new remuneration structures, managing client communications, and ensuring consistency with SCA standards. Members shared valuable insights and experiences to help shape future support and resources. The discussion reinforced a commitment to professionalism, transparency, and consumer confidence as the sector moves toward a sustainable and ethical remuneration framework that supports both Strata Managers and the communities they serve.

South Australia and Northern Territory: Regional momentum

South Australia has seen renewed momentum in legislative reform. SCA has made direct submissions on short-stay accommodation reforms and the wider strata reform bill. Engagement with more than half a dozen Members of Parliament, including the Minister’s office, has helped ensure the strata sector’s priorities are heard and understood.

In the Northern Territory, post-election activity has focused on strengthening connections with the newly formed government. SCA has initiated dialogue with elected representatives, departmental officers and the local strata schemes supervisor. A strategic visit to Darwin is planned for early 2026 to continue advocacy in person, support local members, and progress key policy reforms identified by the Territory’s strata community.

Trans-Tasman partnership: New Zealand’s strata future

SCA’s advocacy extends beyond Australian borders. In New Zealand, the organisation is maintaining active engagement with government on strata regulation and building standards. These conversations are laying the groundwork for stronger protections, more robust legislation and greater professionalism across New Zealand’s unit title sector.

Cross-border knowledge sharing ensures that best practice in Australia informs progress in New Zealand, and vice versa. SCA’s voice is being recognised as a credible and independent advocate for reform in both countries.

Looking ahead: Shaping the future of strata

The message from the past two months is clear. Strata is no longer a niche area of housing policy. It is a core issue for state, territory and federal governments, with implications for economic development, environmental sustainability, housing affordability and social cohesion.

As the sector continues to grow in size, complexity and importance, so too does SCA’s role as the national peak body. Advocacy is no longer a background function. It is the engine room of change, driving better laws, better practice and better outcomes.