Strata is an area that needs continual reform. Apartments are a great way to live but there are complexities in managing common property and buildings are facing increasing costs from insurance, fire compliance, repairs and maintenance, and pursuing defects. The latest tranche of strata reform passed Parliament last week and include some good protections to make it easier for buildings to install accessibility infrastructure. There will be mandatory training for committee members and I moved amendments to ensure members are not taken off committees without notice if they haven’t had the time to comply. My amendments also require Fair Trading to develop standard contracts for strata managers and building managers. Most contracts are based on industry standards which don’t favour owners.

I moved amendments to protect vulnerable owners struggling to pay levies. Most just need more time and a plan to pay off debt but some strata managers and lawyers load up debts with fees and then aggressively pursue the seizure of property. Strata levies are now the biggest cause of forced bankruptcy in New South Wales and most of the debt comes from fees. My amendments will now require all owners’ corporations to consider payment plans, removing the existing ability for outright bans. Pursuit of costs associated with a debt will also be limited to an order of a court or tribunal.

When I was first elected, I was the only member raising strata matters. I welcome increased contributions from across the chamber as more members are residents and represent residents of apartments. More work is needed to protect apartment owners and the government has promised another tranche of changes.

My speeches > HERE and HERE.