New NSW strata laws applauded by consumer group

Radical strata reforms announced yesterday by the Minister for Fair Trading, Anthony Roberts, have been praised by a consumer advocacy group.  

“Successive parliaments have focused on the needs and aspirations of developers at the frustration and disappointment of consumers,” said Owners Corporation Network chairman Stephen Goddard.  

“To have an authentic approach by the government and industry to bring about a cultural change in the building sector is to be applauded.”  

Goddard said the OCN supported proposals to address the ‘’litany of building defects in apartment buildings which apartment owners are saddled with by many developers and builders’’.  

He praised the introduction of a mandatory defects inspection of new buildings and a bond to be paid by the developer.

The OCN also supports reforms to make strata executive committees and strata managing agents more accountable and transparent. But it disappointed that the payment of insurance commissions has not been prohibited.  

Goddard said the multitude of reforms would address the many issues encountered in close quarter living. He welcomed moves to have a ‘’fair and transparent’’ process for winding up strata schemes where older buildings urgently needed to be demolished and redeveloped. Previously, it was more advantageous for owners to redevelop older buildings than fund repairs or upgrades.  

“The O’Farrell government realises that good maintenance standards, a building’s quality and a sense of community are essential elements to a successful strata lifestyle.”