Strata managers demand support for Chandler

Strata managers in NSW have “warned” whichever party is in power after next month’s government election that they must continue supporting the work of David Chandler and the Office of the Building Commissioner in their campaigns against building defects.

And they have called for a review of how emergency services are funded – uniquely in NSW it’s via a levy on insurance premiums – claming it unfairly burdens strata owners.

“With Mascot Towers continuing to make headlines for all the wrong reasons and  property development company Toplace the subject of numerous complaints regarding building defects, it is vital that the incoming government commits to the strengthening and continuation of key property and building industry reforms,” says a press release from Strata Community Australia (NSW), the peak body for strata managers and related service providers in the state. 

“SCA (NSW) and its members strongly believe in the value and importance of the building and property sector reforms currently underway in NSW, and together we urge any future government to commit to the timely implementation of these critical, landmark, and necessary changes,” said SCA (NSW) President, Stephen Brell.

“With more than 50% of the NSW population expected to live and work in strata schemes by 2040 it is vital that we have an industry that is trusted and accountable.”

With yet another interest rate rise putting pressure on the cost of living, SCA (NSW) has also flagged that a review is needed of the emergency service levy (ESL) which has seen insurance premiums increase by 18% per annum for strata residents. 

The Emergency Services Levy (ESL) is a payment that helps fund certain emergency services in NSW.  The ESL is an important issue because NSW is the only mainland state that funds its emergency services through a tax on insurance.

“Emergency services are a critical part of our community but they must be funded in a way that doesn’t unfairly punish strata residents who are required to purchase compulsory strata insurance,” said Mr Brell.

You can read SCA (NSW)’s Election Priorities document here.