Strata Rising: The Quiet Revolution Reshaping How Millions Live

While much of Australia’s media attention in July was consumed by federal politics, cost of living pressures and international affairs, some of the most significant changes affecting how Australians live quietly unfolded in the strata sector.
With more than five million Australians now living in strata titled properties such as apartments, townhouses and community schemes, the decisions made across government, industry and regulatory bodies this month will have far reaching implications for housing, sustainability, and affordability. Here’s a roundup of what you may have missed in strata during July.

A National Code of Ethics for Strata Professionals

On 1 July, the Strata Community Association (SCA) launched its National Code of Ethics, marking a significant step toward unifying and professionalising the sector across Australia and New Zealand. The Code sets clear expectations for integrity, transparency, accountability, and fairness in the conduct of strata professionals.

Rather than being symbolic, the Code is designed to provide a practical framework for ethical decision making and elevate public confidence in strata management. It represents an important milestone in the push to make strata management a modern, respected and community oriented profession.

“We’re building a modern, respected, and community focused profession that people can rely on,” said SCA President Joshua Baldwin.

This launch also supports the case for national minimum standards and further professionalisation of strata management roles, an issue SCA continues to raise at the highest levels of government.

NSW Leads with Strata Law Reform

Also taking effect on 1 July were significant reforms to strata legislation in New South Wales, representing one of the most comprehensive updates in recent years. The changes target sustainability upgrades, easier meeting procedures, renovations, developer accountability and fairer contract arrangements.

The reforms are aimed at simplifying decision making, removing outdated barriers and providing residents and committees with greater clarity and control over their communities. SCA NSW provided extensive guidance to members and continues to assist with the transition.

These changes are expected to serve as a model for other jurisdictions looking to modernise their own strata legislation.

Strata Recognised in Federal Energy Programs

In a major advocacy win, SCA secured confirmation during meetings in Canberra that strata communities are eligible to participate in the Federal Government’s solar battery rebate and other key sustainability initiatives. This is a significant breakthrough in addressing energy equity for apartment and townhouse residents.

In the past, apartment dwellers were often locked out of government rebate schemes due to technical, legal or regulatory challenges. Confirmation of strata’s eligibility ensures that shared communities are not left behind in the transition to cleaner and cheaper energy.

SCA continues to push for program designs that reflect the shared infrastructure and decision making complexities unique to strata properties.

Clean Energy Regulator Clarifies Solar Incentives

Further clarity came in July from the Clean Energy Regulator, which confirmed that the Small scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) applies to strata and apartment properties under specific criteria. Eligible systems can attract Small scale Technology Certificates (STCs), helping reduce upfront costs for solar and battery installations.

The confirmation unlocks long awaited opportunities for owners corporations to undertake sustainable upgrades, but SCA warns that challenges remain, especially around metering, shared usage, and system design in complex buildings.

Insurance Relief Still Lagging in Northern Australia

Despite the introduction of the Federal Government’s cyclone reinsurance pool, new data released by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) revealed that insurance premiums in Northern Australia have dropped by just 7 percent.

This is well below expectations and has reinforced SCA’s call for more robust interventions. These include stamp duty exemptions, fast tracked resilience funding and targeted support for strata communities where insurance is unavailable or unaffordable.

“When insurance is legally required for strata schemes, the government has a duty to ensure it is both available and affordable,” said Mr Baldwin.

ACT and South Australia Step Forward

In the ACT, a Legislative Assembly inquiry into the role and effectiveness of the Strata Commissioner is underway, with SCA providing submissions and evidence to ensure the office delivers practical, accountable outcomes for strata communities. This marks an important opportunity to strengthen governance and regulatory oversight in one of Australia’s fastest growing housing markets.

Meanwhile in South Australia, new legislation is set to be debated in Parliament that would enhance consumer protections for strata owners and residents. The proposed reforms align closely with SCA’s long standing best practice disclosure standards, aiming to deliver greater transparency and confidence for consumers.

Looking Ahead

As July wraps up, one thing is clear. The strata sector is gaining momentum. From policy progress to regulatory reform and increased government engagement, strata is no longer on the sidelines. It is becoming a central part of the national conversation on housing, energy and affordability.

With more reforms on the way and greater visibility across the media and policy landscape, the future of strata is being shaped now, and it is heading in the right direction.