Fund strata commissioner properly – demand

An impressive coalition of heavy hitters in and around NSW strata have demanded substantially increased funding for Strata and Property Services Commission in the next state budget.

And they point out that Strata Commissioner John Minns has only 16 inspectors supporting his work while Building Commissioner David Chadler has an army of 450. As well as strata, the Strata and Property Services Commissioner’s Office has reponsibility for real estate agents and strata managers

The Property and Strata Commission office is grossly underfunded, and needs a huge injection of funds if Commissioner John Minns is to be able to do his job properly, says the group comprising the Australian College of Strata Lawyers, Australian Consumers Insurance Lobby, Owners Corporation Network of Australia, Retirement Village Residents Association, and strata managers’ professional body Strata Community Association.

In a joint press release, the professional bodies and consumer groups say they want to “emphasise the critical role of the Commissioner’s office in addressing the unique challenges of the strata sector, which currently houses 35% of NSW residents, with projections of 50% by 2040.

“Despite the visionary establishment of the Strata and Property Services Commissioner’s Office, and the commendable efforts of John Minns since his appointment, the office is severely under-resourced,” the statement reads.
“With only 16 inspectors managing a vast property portfolio, significant issues such as lengthy delays in resolving serious safety investigations are undermining both the safety of residents and their rights.”
The consumer groups question the ability for the Commission to effectively support the growing number of strata residents, claiming that delayed investigations into serious concerns, which in some cases have stretched beyond two years, could erode consumer confidence and hinder necessary reforms in the strata sector.
“Strata living is… a significant part of the housing future in NSW,’ the statement also noted. “As we face critical housing and cost of living challenges, it’s imperative that the strata sector is well-equipped to support its residents and ensure high standards of living and safety.”
The groups call on Minister Chanthivong and the NSW Government to allocate sufficient resources to the
“Adequate funding will ensure the office can fulfill its role effectively, safeguarding the rights of strata residents and driving necessary reforms,” the group says, claiming that by addressing these funding needs, the NSW Government will demonstrate its commitment to delivering housing solutions that meet the needs of its residents both now and in the future.

“There is concern within the sector from the organisations signatory to this letter, that a critical shortage of resources within the commission could undermine consumer outcomes in this space,” says the letter

“Without the appropriate level of funding for this unit, we are concerned that the initiatives required to support and provide confidence to consumers in NSW will not be able to be effectively delivered.

“Strata is and will be an integral part of the NSW housing future for years to come. Strata issues stand at the intersection of the critical housing and cost of living issues we are encountering in 2024 and beyond.

“Confidence in the delivery of quality and affordable housing, the ability to educate and support the communities that are created, and to grow industry professionalism is of the highest priority for each of the organisations that are signatory to this letter, and that we know of your government.

“We firmly believe that allocating appropriate funding based on this critical importance and resources to this newly created, dedicated unit in this year’s budget will signal significant intent to deliver housing solutions for the state of NSW, and is a solution that will be championed loudly by all of our collective memberships.”