John Minns, former NSW Strata and Property Services Commissioner and co-author of the report, emphasized the need for coordinated efforts, stating, "A national Strata Futures task force is proposed to lead transformation and foster a high-performing, transparent and sustainable model of property ownership and governance at a national level."
The report's recommendations are based on extensive interviews with industry stakeholders, including strata management firms and financial institutions. Key areas of focus include:
- Enhancing education and training for strata managers and owners corporation members.
- Implementing controls to ensure transparency of fees and service supplier relationships.
- Preventing consumer detriment caused by hidden fees and conflicts of interest.
- Improving design and construction compliance across states and territories.
Kate McHugh, consultant and co-author of the report, highlighted the collaborative nature of the study, noting that the report is being shared with sector stakeholders to cover the costs of engagement and report writing.
The proposed national task force would be responsible for overseeing the implementation of these recommendations, ensuring that reforms are effectively integrated across the industry. This initiative aims to address longstanding issues within the strata sector, such as lack of transparency, inconsistent governance practices, and the need for improved consumer protections.
For property owners and strata managers, the establishment of a national task force could lead to:
- More consistent and transparent management practices.
- Enhanced trust and collaboration between stakeholders.
- Improved compliance with regulatory standards.
- Greater resilience and sustainability of strata properties.
As the industry awaits further developments, stakeholders are encouraged to engage with the recommendations outlined in the Strata Futures Report and consider how they can contribute to the proposed reforms. By working together, the strata community can move towards a more transparent, efficient, and equitable future.
