The Legislative Council Public Accountability Committee will inquire into building defects, looking at the role of private certification and safeguards for owners buying into strata. It will also review challenges in strata communities who uncover defects, including disputes among owners over getting problems fixed.

There has never been so much attention on defects and strata, with this inquiry coinciding with a government discussion paper on specific reforms dealing with registration and duty of care within the building industry and creating an oversight building commissioner.

I strongly encourage anyone who has experienced problems with defects in their apartments to make a submission. The inquiry needs to hear from those who’ve had problems getting remedies either through pursuing those responsible or due to owners’ corporation disputes. There are options for confidential submissions if you are concerned that you commenting could impact on the value of your property or breach non-disclosure agreements with developers. Submissions are due 28 July: HERE