OCN Executive Director, Author at Owners Corporation Network

Soft market sparks broker pay transparency fears

OCN Executive Director2025-05-07T17:37:09+10:00

Consumer groups are warning that the current soft insurance market may open the door to remuneration practices that could disadvantage clients unless regulators step in. The Australian Consumers Insurance Lobby Inc (ACIL) has called on oversight bodies – including the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), and the Insurance Brokers Code Compliance Committee – to monitor how brokers adjust their pay structures during market [...]

Soft market sparks broker pay transparency fearsOCN Executive Director2025-05-07T17:37:09+10:00

‘You feel like Darryl Kerrigan of The Castle’: How Adam got charged for his own solar power

OCN Executive Director2025-05-01T18:47:05+10:00

Angry apartment owners say they’re being charged for electricity generated by solar panels on their own roof thanks to a confidential agreement signed between their developer and the energy provider. When they moved into the new Dwell building in Sutherland, in Sydney’s south, they assumed the solar would help with their common property electricity bills. Instead, they’ve just been presented with a surprise bill for $28,717.06 for the past 12 months, [...]

‘You feel like Darryl Kerrigan of The Castle’: How Adam got charged for his own solar powerOCN Executive Director2025-05-01T18:47:05+10:00

‘Clearly inadequate’: strata owners call for broker code overhaul

OCN Executive Director2025-04-12T13:47:47+10:00

The Owners Corporation Network of Australia says aspects of the $2 billion strata insurance market raise questions on ethics in the broking industry and the role and performance of the code. Its submission to the industry’s code review notes ABC reporting last year examined issues such as common ownership of underwriting agencies and brokers, and lack of transparency. The network says the code does not articulate what represents a conflict of interest and [...]

‘Clearly inadequate’: strata owners call for broker code overhaulOCN Executive Director2025-04-12T13:47:47+10:00

NSW Urged to Push Through Strata Commission Ban

OCN Executive Director2025-04-08T16:15:44+10:00

Strata owner and consumer groups have urged the NSW government to press ahead with the removal of strata manager insurance commissions. The proposed reforms are needed to restore trust and transparency, the Owners Corporation Network and the Australian Consumers Insurance Lobby say. A letter to Better Regulation and Fair Trading Minister Anoulack Chanthivong and NSW Fair Trading commissioner Natasha Mann argues banning the commissions will level the playing field. “Consumers will be able [...]

NSW Urged to Push Through Strata Commission BanOCN Executive Director2025-04-08T16:15:44+10:00

Strata Commission Ban Sparks Clash Between Advocates and Industry

OCN Executive Director2025-04-08T16:09:39+10:00

Consumer advocacy groups are calling on the New South Wales government to proceed with its proposed ban on strata insurance commissions, arguing the reform is essential to addressing conflicts of interest and restoring trust in the sector. The Owners Corporation Network (OCN) and the Australian Consumers Insurance Lobby Inc (ACIL) have jointly urged policymakers not to abandon the reform, despite growing resistance from within the strata management industry. The pushback follows [...]

Strata Commission Ban Sparks Clash Between Advocates and IndustryOCN Executive Director2025-04-08T16:09:39+10:00

Review of the NIBA Insurance Brokers Code of Conduct

OCN Executive Director2025-04-07T16:30:11+10:00

OCN made a submission on the need to strengthen the Code to provide greater consumer protections to those taking out strata insurance. This insurance product is mandated by states and territories, so it's important that the Code ensures purchasers are not vulnerable to the poor industry practices that have been highlighted in the media over the past 12 months. Read submission: 20250402 - NIBA Code of Conduct Review April 2025 Related [...]

Review of the NIBA Insurance Brokers Code of ConductOCN Executive Director2025-04-07T16:30:11+10:00

If you live in an apartment, where do you dry your laundry?

OCN Executive Director2024-10-29T14:45:31+11:00

Where you dry your laundry can all depend on your Strata rules if you're in an apartment, and that can mean even your balcony is off limits. Why do these rules exist and are they fair? Guest: Karen Stiles, Director of the Owners Corporation Network Listen to interview with Andy Park:> https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/radionational-drive/does-your-strata-rule-where-you-put-your-laundry-/104527622

If you live in an apartment, where do you dry your laundry?OCN Executive Director2024-10-29T14:45:31+11:00

ABC Sydney Breakfast Discusses Drying Laundry on Balconies

OCN Executive Director2024-10-28T14:20:08+11:00

Apartment buildings that restrict residents from drying their washing outdoors are facing a push to relax the rules as sustainability and cost-of-living concerns make dryers less desirable. OCN talks to Craig Reucassel about the vexed issue of residents being allowed to dry their laundry on their balcony. Listen to interview (2:18:55 minutes - 2:22:39 minutes):> https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/sydney-breakfast/sydney-breakfast/104500156

ABC Sydney Breakfast Discusses Drying Laundry on BalconiesOCN Executive Director2024-10-28T14:20:08+11:00

Apartment dwellers push for the right to air their clean laundry

OCN Executive Director2024-10-28T11:29:11+11:00

Apartment buildings that restrict residents from drying their washing outdoors are facing a push to relax the rules as sustainability and cost-of-living concerns make dryers less desirable. Karen Stiles, executive director of the Owners Corporation Network of Australia, said conflict over laundry was becoming more common in both states because new developments were not designed for people’s needs. While older apartment blocks typically had communal clotheslines, this had “gone out the [...]

Apartment dwellers push for the right to air their clean laundryOCN Executive Director2024-10-28T11:29:11+11:00

A place in the sun: How to get solar to 2.5m apartment dwellers

OCN Executive Director2024-10-26T10:41:28+11:00

Australia has the highest uptake of rooftop solar in the world, but millions of apartment residents are not reaping the benefits of cheaper power and electrification. Yet in large buildings such as high-rise apartments, the report says, up to 60 per cent of energy consumption comes from common areas and shared services, and about 25 per cent of administrative fund strata levies are spent on energy bills alone. Karen Stiles, executive [...]

A place in the sun: How to get solar to 2.5m apartment dwellersOCN Executive Director2024-10-26T10:41:28+11:00

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