OCN in the Media

Published in the media

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

2025-04-12T13:47:47+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 overhaul2025-04-12T13:47:47+10:00

NSW Urged to Push Through Strata Commission Ban

2025-04-08T16:15:44+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 Ban2025-04-08T16:15:44+10:00

Strata Commission Ban Sparks Clash Between Advocates and Industry

2025-04-08T16:09:39+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 Industry2025-04-08T16:09:39+10:00

Strata committee training: necessity or burden?

2025-04-03T15:51:15+11:00

Owners’ corporation (OC) committees play a vital role in managing our residential buildings. Yet these annually elected volunteers often face wide-spread criticism ranging from accusations of misunderstanding complex strata regulations to internal dysfunction, to explicit conflicts of interest. One proposed solution is committee training, a measure recently introduced in New South Wales (NSW). NSW now requires OC committee members to undertake formal training, aligning their duties more closely with those of [...]

Strata committee training: necessity or burden?2025-04-03T15:51:15+11:00

Stuart found the ideal home – until he found out it was tainted

2025-03-26T12:12:50+11:00

A stunning $4 million penthouse caught the eye of business consultant Stuart McLean at the weekend but when he looked into the apartment building further, he had second thoughts. He discovered it was managed by Netstrata, the strata management company found, after an independent investigation, potentially to have charged excessive fees and not disclosed commissions and conflicts of interest. The company is contesting the allegations. Chair Fred Tuckwell of the Owners [...]

Stuart found the ideal home – until he found out it was tainted2025-03-26T12:12:50+11:00

Inquiry to put booming but troubled strata sector under microscope

2025-03-10T12:13:01+11:00

How Canberra’s strata properties are managed will come under the scrutiny of a Legislative Assembly inquiry that could shape the role of a promised Strata Commissioner and new laws to govern the burgeoning sector. The Legislative Assembly’s Standing Committee on Legal Affairs has kicked off the inquiry and is calling for submissions from all interested parties ahead of holding public hearings. The inquiry will focus on the application of the Unit Titles [...]

Inquiry to put booming but troubled strata sector under microscope2025-03-10T12:13:01+11:00

Body corporate legal battle over red roof ‘ludicrous’ waste of money

2025-03-26T12:16:03+11:00

OCN Director, Chris Irons says the dispute between an owner and a body corporate over roof colour should never have reached Queensland's Body Corporate and Community Management Commission (BCCM), which involves significant legal fees. Guest: Chris Irons, Director of the Owners Corporation Network Listen to interview with Steve Austin (from 1:05:30):https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/brisbane-mornings/mornings/104855614 Related article: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-01-29/former-body-corporate-commissioner-condemns-red-roof-dispute/104867928

Body corporate legal battle over red roof ‘ludicrous’ waste of money2025-03-26T12:16:03+11:00

Watchdog promises report as NetStrata probe continues

2025-03-10T12:17:29+11:00

On 28 January 2025, Insurance News reported that "Groups including the Owners Corporation Network have called for the urgent release of the report summary. “Consumers expect transparency and to know that due process has been followed. The NSW government needs to quell the concerns that have been raised by the ABC article,” network CEO Shari Driver said. “Everyone needs to have certainty and confidence in the management of the strata industry.” [...]

Watchdog promises report as NetStrata probe continues2025-03-10T12:17:29+11:00

OCN reviews the upside and downside to this $3.2m Sydney apartment

2025-03-10T12:22:35+11:00

The Sydney Morning Herald  recruited a range of independent architects, academics, builders and other experts to review apartments near completion or new to the market with an eye to market trends, policy, reliability, sustainability, quality, layout and amenities. The Herald’s first review was  of a large four-bedroom family apartment, a type which is in growing demand yet hard to find. OCN was quoted in the Herald article as follows: "What the strata expert [...]

OCN reviews the upside and downside to this $3.2m Sydney apartment2025-03-10T12:22:35+11:00

Strata owners are increasingly banning electric vehicles from charging in apartment carparks

2024-12-18T12:21:21+11:00

Strata owners are increasingly banning electric vehicles (EVs) from charging in apartment basement carparks, citing a perceived risk of battery fires writes Technology reporter James Purtill in a recent article on abc.net.au EV fire safety researchers say the risk is no greater than for petrol and diesel cars and such concerns are fed by misinformation, but state fire authorities urge caution These conflicting messages around EV fire safety are generating confusion [...]

Strata owners are increasingly banning electric vehicles from charging in apartment carparks2024-12-18T12:21:21+11:00
Go to Top