Independent MLA Thomas Emerson has applauded today’s announcement of a Legislative Assembly Committee inquiry into the management of strata properties.
Mr Emerson’s supply-and-confidence agreement with ACT Labor includes establishing a Strata Commissioner.
“A growing proportion of Canberrans live under strata title. Many struggle to get defects rectified on time and we’ve all heard horror stories of Canberrans being left on the hook for thousands of dollars of repairs,” said Mr Emerson.
”Apartment-dwellers are being left behind in the energy transition because of significant technical and financial barriers to electrifying their complexes.
“I’m frequently contacted by community members about high strata management fees and poor service delivery. Insurance premiums seem to be constantly growing, with associated kickbacks for strata management companies.
“Residents replacing dangerous combustible cladding are receiving less support from our government than they would if they lived a few kilometres down the road in NSW.
“Independents listened to our community and were the first to propose the establishment of a Strata Commissioner during the 2024 election campaign. It has been encouraging to see multi-partisan support grow for this policy since then.
”I’ve been engaging with Minister Cheyne about the early work around establishing an ACT Strata Commissioner. This inquiry creates an opportunity to bring our community into the policy development process in an open, transparent way.”
The inquiry will focus on the application of the Unit Titles (Management) Act 2011 and will include the role of strata managers, the roles and responsibilities of executive committee members, decision-making in strata developments, issues arising in mixed-use buildings, access to sustainability initiatives by residents, and the potential remit for a Strata Commissioner in the ACT.
To learn more about the inquiry, and to make a submission before 7 March 2025, visit the inquiry webpage here.