Developers speak out against strata reform delays

Jennifer DukeDecember 7, 2020

Recently announced delays to strata reform have seen mixed responses, with some satisfied the time is being taken to ensure the previous drafts are carefully considered, and others concerned as to what delays mean to what was initially proposed.

Noting his fears for more “onerous requirements” on developers under changes to the current draft, Urban Taskforce CEO Chris Johnson last week expressed his disappointment with the delays.

These delays are said to be due to an "unrealistic timeframe" that may place the changes to the legislation in jeopardy.

Brookfield Multiplex, a member of Urban Taskforce, while noting that they have not been officially informed of any delays to the reform package that involves amendments to the Home Building and Strata Management Acts, provided Property Observer with a written statement about the delays.

“Further, Brookfield Multiplex can not understand why there would be delays to introducing the legislation as draft bills were circulated in December and by and large there is consensus amongst the stakeholders on the key reform elements. Our expectation is that the legislation will be introduced into Parliament this session,” regional managing director of Brookfield Multiplex Australasia, David Ghannoum, said.”

“The current Acts are not working as the legislation intended. This is to the detriment of homeowners, consumers and the building industry. Accordingly Brookfield Multiplex remains a strong supporter of the reform package,” said Ghannoum.

Applauding the work of previous minister, Anthony Roberts, in developing the “much overdue reform package and for building a consensus around those reforms”, they encouraged the new minister to keep momentum up for the changes.

Urban Development Institute of Australia’s chief executive Stephen Albin, however, recently told Property Observer that he isn't expecting any major changes for developers due to the delay.

Back in November 2013, when the position paper was released, the draft for changes to the reforms received a fairly broad thumbs up from a number of groups in the industry.

jduke@propertyobserver.com.au

Jennifer Duke

Jennifer Duke was a property writer at Property Observer

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