Consumer Groups warn NIBA: Address conflicts or face regulatory action
The Australian Consumers Insurance Lobby (ACIL), the Owners Corporation Network of Australia (OCN), and the Unit Owners Association of Queensland (UOAQ) have warned the National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) that unless its revised Code of Practice properly addresses conflicts of interest in the strata insurance sector, the issue will be escalated directly to regulators. Read the media release here ACIL page: Consumer Groups Warn NIBA: Address Conflicts or Face [...]
QCAT Issues
This submission is a great example of the insight OCN brings to topics under government review. Understanding is vital to effective outcomes. Excerpt: in a strata scheme, even when a dispute resolution process is finished, the parties to that dispute will continue to interact with each other (either virtually, or in person at the scheme). OCN’s experience is that this is fertile ground for further disputes, and as such, [...]
OCN Policy in relation to Strata Insurance Commissions
OCN's Policy in relation to Strata Insurance Commissions has been in place since 2013. OCN is committed to ensuring that the strata insurance and strata management markets remain competitive and viable. OCN believes that the best way of achieving maximum efficiency and competitiveness in those markets is through full disclosure and transparency and having appropriate remuneration paid by Owners Corporations directly to those who supply the relevant services. Read [...]
QLD Short Term Accomodation submission
OCN supports the Council’s initiative to regulate short-stay accommodation through a permit system. We particularly endorse the intent to make operators accountable for guest behaviour and the requirement for a 24/7 contact person. OCN acknowledges the practical challenges of regulation in this area, given the provisions of the Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997 in relation to by-laws, and the caselaw from adjudicators’ orders in relation to short-term [...]
Victorian OC Act Review
Submission to the Owners Corporations Act Review From: Owners Corporation Network of Australia Limited (OCN) The Owners Corporation Network (OCN) welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the Victorian Government’s review of the Owners Corporations Act 2006 (Vic). This review comes at a critical juncture: more than one million Victorians now live in residential strata, with the total value of Victoria’s strata property exceeding $471 billion (UNSW, City Futures Research [...]
Review of the Design & Building Practitioners Act
Our submission provided practical steps to resolve the burden and misinformation currently evident in NSW strata. OCN absolutely supports the intent of the Act – over time, it will help ensure everyone can confidently buy and live in strata. Read submission: Review of the DBP Act - OCN input as presented in person 11 August 2025 (002)
Review of the NIBA Insurance Brokers Code of Conduct
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 [...]
Submission on electric vehicle provisions – Woollahra Council DCP 2015
The Owners Corporation Network of Australia ltd (OCN) has provided a submission to inform the planning provisions for electric vehicle (EV) parking in the Woollahra Local Government area. Importantly, OCN was able to collate EV expertise and suggest DCP amendments to Council to ensure the local planning provisions are not more onerous than those required under the National Construction Code (NCC). Read Submission: 20250303 - Woollahra Council DCP 2015 - [...]
Submission to Parliamentary Inquiry into Volunteering in Queensland
On 27 February 2025, OCN provided a submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Volunteering in Queensland. OCN urged the inquiry to consider the role of body corporate (strata) volunteers. OCN is seeking a fundamental change in how strata schemes operate in Queensland. Reflecting the government’s perspective, if volunteers are critical to the delivery of essential services, including public safety and disaster response then the role of strata managers together with [...]
Principles for Reforming the Strata Industry
On Wednesday 27 November 2024, the Owners Corporation Network of Australia (OCN) was invited by NSW Fair Trading to attend a forum about insurance commissions, together with the insurance industry, academics, lawyers and other parties. Subsequently, on 20 December 2024, OCN took the opportunity to summarise our views on what success looks like, from a consumer’s perspective by listing the following Principles for Reforming the Strata Industry (and insurance commissions): [...]
OCN supports Mandatory Information on E-micromobility Vehicles
OCN strongly supports the introduction of a mandatory information standard for e-micromobility vehicles. It’s vital consumers know there is a decisive difference in safety between high quality and low quality products. OCN’s submission provides detailed suggestions to the Department of Fair Trading for the improvement of the proposed information standards. Read Submission: 20241203 - OCN Submission - Mandatory Information Standard on E-micromobility Vehicles Related Content: https://ocn.org.au/inquiry-into-e-scooters-e-bikes-and-related-mobility-options/
Home Building Act Review
OCN made yet another submission on the ongoing building law reforms. Read submission:> OCN Submission - Building Reforms September 2024
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