SCA Advocacy Round Up

Australian Capital Territory

Leveraging relationships enabled SCA (ACT) to secure a major advocacy win in the October 2024 ACT election, successfully campaigning for, and obtaining a commitment from all parties, to establish a Strata Commissioner during this term of government.

To achieve the outcome, SCA (ACT) collaborated closely with owners groups and industry stakeholders, hosted events, one-on-one meetings, and generated significant media attention for strata issues.

The association is now actively providing detailed feedback and input to the government on establishing the new office, as well as offering guidance on broader legislative reforms, both through established working groups and as an individual contributor.

New South Wales

SCA (NSW) actively ensures that the strata sector remains a key focus for the NSW Government. By maintaining robust relationships with the Office of the NSW Strata and Property Services Commissioner, NSW Fair Trading’s policy team and the Minister’s Office, the association has positioned itself at the forefront of the highly anticipated Strata Stage Two Reforms.

SCA (NSW) has had an instrumental role in shaping the Strata Managing Agents Legislation Amendment Act 2024 with alignment to the SCA Strata Insurance Disclosure Best Practice Guide, aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in the strata sector.

SCA (NSW) also welcomes the appointment of the new Building Commissioner, James Sherrard, and looks forward to collaborating with him in the ongoing fight against building defects.

New Zealand

SCA (NZ) is continuing its engagement on the key topics explored through 2024, including building reform and insurance availability. With major issues identified and having key voices around the table, the association, alongside other consumer and industry groups, is advancing the positions formulated.

Northern Territory

Following a successful campaign leading up to August 2024, SCA (SA/NT) secured commitments to review existing legislation and undertake engagement. The association had a positive meeting with Attorney-General Marie-Clare Boothby to chart a path forward.

SCA (SA/NT) is guiding the government, members and other stakeholders through its mapped out policy platform to build consensus for reform to the legislation, as well as broader strata issues such as building quality, parking, pets and insurance affordability.

Queensland

SCA (QLD) continues to engage actively with key stakeholders across the government, opposition, and the crossbench. Recent meetings have included discussions with the new Attorney-General, the Hon. Deb Frecklington MP, to discuss post-election priorities. The Attorney-General has shown strong interest in strata policy and receptiveness to key issues on the agenda. With the housing policy remaining a key focus in Queensland, there is growing optimism about strata’s increasing prominence within the Government’s broader priorities.

While recent years have seen only minor amendments to strata legislation, the new Government’s return after a decade in opposition presents an opportunity for substantial reform. SCA (QLD)’s continued advocacy efforts focus on addressing building defects, improving the regulation of strata managers, and seeking legislative changes aimed at reducing and better managing disputes within strata schemes.

South Australia

In November 2024, South Australian Minister for Consumer Affairs introduced legislation to reform the Community and Strata Titles Bill. These long-overdue amendments build on consultations from 2018 and 2023. SCA (SA/NT) is working closely with the Minister’s office to ensure the legislation, and any recent amendments deliver positive outcomes for both consumers and the industry as they are implemented.

Tasmania

SCA (Tas) is focused on building relationships to advance the ongoing review of the governing strata legislation in Tasmania (the Review of the Strata Titles Act 1998).

Victoria

SCA (Vic) has actively advocated for mandatory minimum education standards and licensing for all real estate agents, property managers, owners corporation managers, and conveyancers.

Under the current proposal, sole operator strata managers and the Officer in Effective Control of non-sole operator strata management companies will be required to meet minimum Continuing Professional Development requirements, set to take effect in June 2027.

With the Victorian state election approaching next year, SCA (Vic) has strengthened its advocacy efforts, holding an overwhelmingly positive meeting with the Coalition to propose the establishment of a Strata Commissioner and a Strata Helpline in Victoria, and conducting outreach to the new Minister for Consumer Affairs.

Through ongoing consultations with Consumer Affairs Victoria and participation in various government-led forums and roundtables, SCA (Vic) ensures its members’ interests are heard.

Western Australia

SCA (WA) has been highly active in advocacy, serving as a key stakeholder in the WA Government’s five-year review of the Strata Titles Act 1985 and submitting a detailed proposal to drive positive change for the sector.

A submission by SCA (WA) to the second phase of consultation for amendments to the Strata Titles (General) Regulations 2019 supported the amendments in principle, and continued to advocate for greater clarity and higher standards.

Beyond strata reform, SCA (WA) engaged with Energy Policy WA on the Embedded Network Code of Conduct, working toward a policy that better serves Western Australia’s strata communities.

The next print edition of Inside Strata will feature a full exploration of the Western Australian election, which we will have covered extensively in our digital edition.