Strata Community Association is appearing before the ACT Legislative Assembly’s Standing Committee on Legal Affairs as part of the Inquiry into the Management of Strata Properties, calling for bold and coordinated reform to strengthen the territory’s growing strata sector.
Representing strata managers, owners corporations and residents, SCA (ACT) President Chris Miller and National Policy and Advocacy Manager Shaun Brockman addressed key issues outlined in the inquiry, including regulation of strata managers, decision-making in strata schemes, access to environmental initiatives, and the proposal to establish a Strata Commissioner for the ACT.
“The ACT’s strata sector is experiencing significant growth, with properties now valued at more than $32 billion,” said Mr Miller. “This inquiry presents a critical opportunity to support the sector with the structure and regulation it needs to meet the demands of modern community living.”
SCA (ACT) advocated for:
- A dedicated Strata Commissioner: To deliver dispute resolution, guidance and oversight for the sector, improving outcomes for residents, owners and managers.
- Minimum education standards and requirements: To raise professional standards and build consumer confidence through education, compliance and accountability.
- Support for sustainability: Including better access to government programs that enable buildings to adopt EV charging, solar, battery storage and other environmental upgrades.
Mr Miller emphasised the need for reforms to be backed by appropriate resourcing and consultation with the sector.
“A Strata Commissioner must be supported by a properly funded office, clear scope, and a plan to work collaboratively with industry and owners to deliver meaningful change,” he said.
The public hearing is taking place at the ACT Legislative Assembly in Canberra, with further appearances from stakeholders across the strata and housing sectors.
