Proposed windows locks (NSW)

I know that the much-publicised changes to (NSW) Strata Regulations in July 2013 to require Owners Corporations and/or Unit Owners (depending upon the media story) to by 2018 fit devices to all windows above the ground floor to prevent opening of those beyond 125mm are still in the pipeline, I can foresee some problems.

Nanny-state syndrome and parents’ responsibilities aside, vision that I’ve seen on television reports variously shows Minister Roberts holding or windows fitted with a device of a type that whilst effectively locking the window in either the fully closed or set open position (125mm), allows the window to open unrestricted to any position when the device is unlocked.

The problems I foresee relate to the device needing to be key-locked in order to be effective, possibly with a different key to each device / window, to the potential for those keys to be misplaced by residents, and moreso the fact that an unlocked window can be left open in any position; including fully open.

Wouldn’t the State Government’s objective of preventing young children from accidentally falling from open windows be better achieved by the fitting of safety-type insect screens, or at the other end of the cost scale by the permanent fixing of a piece of aluminium extrusion or a piece of wooden dowel into the track so as to absolutely prevent the window from being opened beyond the prescribed 125mm?

Hopefully the State Government’s amendments will focus on the outcome of what’s proposed rather than prescribing what O/C’s / Owners must do to comply.

Frankly though, whilst I appreciate the problem the publicised solution seems thus far ill-considered in my opinion; what about children falling from balconies after gaining access via sliding doors?