Inquiry into bullying, abuse of power, and violence in NSW strata schemes
Petitioner:
Mrs Johanna Cooper
| Member:
MacDonald, Aileen
| No. of Signatories:
141
| Date closes:
06/11/2024
| Status:
Open
To the President and Members of the Legislative Council, the petitioners of New South Wales state that in NSW, approximately 1.2 million people live within 84,000 strata schemes, with projections indicating that by 2040, half of Greater Sydney's population will reside in a strata scheme. Despite this substantial demographic, there is a severe lack of adequate protections for owners facing abuse of power by strata committees and management. The current system allows for racism, discrimination, bullying, violence, and favouritism, with no guaranteed accountability for committee members, building managers, or strata managers. Violence and abuse against women in strata schemes is not adequately recognised or addressed. A lack of understanding of strata and inconsistent application of the law by the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal and Fair Trading results in prolonged and costly disputes, negatively impacting the mental health of strata owners and impacting the broader community.
The petitioners request the House to:
1. Initiate a formal inquiry into the NSW Strata System.
2. Conduct an intensive investigation into NCAT and Fair Trading.
3. Address bullying, abuse of power, corruption, violence, and lack of accountability within strata schemes.
4. Establish a clear code of conduct in the Strata Scheme Management Act and implement mandatory transparency measures including video recording of meetings.
6. Enforce mandatory fiduciary duties for committee members to ensure accountability.
7. Require strata managers to act independently of committees, and face stronger enforcement actions.
