Reform of strata and community scheme laws.

The NSW Government is reforming the NSW strata and community scheme laws to ensure the laws are operating as efficiently and effectively as possible.

The Minister for Fair Trading Anthony Roberts and Commissioner for Fair Trading Rod Stowe delivered speeches about the strata scheme reforms.

SOURCE | NSW Government | Fair Trading

What’s happened so far?

The reform process commenced in December 2011 with an online consultation forum hosted by Global Access Partners. The online forum closed on 29 February 2012. For more information about this stage of the reform process go to www.openforum.com.au/strata.

On 15 September 2012, a discussion paper was released outlining a range of issues and inviting comment on possible options to reform the laws. An online survey was also available on the Fair Trading website. The closing date for comments and submissions was 22 November 2012.

View the list of full submissions received during the public consultation

Following the consultation period all comments and submissions were thoroughly analysed and examined. More input was sought on several areas where the matters under consideration and the suggestions for reform were particularly complex or significant.

Consequently, during 2013 a series of roundtable meetings involving industry stakeholders and strata experts were convened on key issues, including maintenance and defects, governance and by-laws, and strata renewal. The roundtables received a high level of support and enthusiasm from all involved and contributed to the development of the Government’s strata and community title law reform package.

Strata Community Australia Convention

At the annual Strata Community Australia Convention on 1-2 November 2013, the Minister for Fair Trading Anthony Roberts and Commissioner for Fair Trading Rod Stowe delivered speeches about the strata scheme reforms.

READ | Speech by NSW Minister for Fair Trading Anthony Roberts

READ | Speech by the Commissioner for Fair Trading Rod Stowe

What’s happening next?

A position paper has been prepared outlining the Government’s proposed strata title law reforms. The reforms seek to ensure that the laws provide flexibility, transparency and accountability with strong consumer protections but without imposing unnecessary red tape.

A separate position paper will be released outlining the community title law reform package in the coming months.