Protecting Consumers From Unfair Trade Practices
29 NOVEMBER 2023OCN was proud to sign onto the Consumer Policy Research Centre joint consumer submission on unfair trade practices - Make Unfair Illegal. There are a range of practices that cause consumer harm, and are detrimental to the competitive process, that are not currently unlawful. In the strata world these include embedded networks and obfuscation around insurance premiums. It's time to level the playing field! Read full submission:> https://cprc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Submission-Unfair-trade-practices-Treasury-November-2023.pdf Related content:> https://ocn.org.au/inquiry-into-embedded-networks-in-nsw-ocn-testimony/ Related [...]
NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Batteries
24 NOVEMBER 2023 The perception that Electric vehicles create a significant new risk from a fire safety standpoint has some history and has been widely covered in the media. The ACCC undertook an investigation recently into Lithium-Ion battery safety, which OCN supports: https://www.accc.gov.au/system/files/Lithium-ion%20Batteries%20report_3_0.pdf There are several perspectives to this issue worth exploring, which have a bearing on the nature of the risks, and the appropriate responses from government. OCN’s response [...]
Mandating Latent Defects Insurance
OCN made a brief submission supporting the mandating of latent defects insurance. Read submission:> OCN Submission - Mandating Latent Defects Insurance October 2023
Senate Inquiry into Residential Electrification
OCN made a submission on the need to support the residential strata sector, which is lagging behind other household types in the clean energy transition. We recommended that the Committee: see Owners Corporations and Strata Committees as partners with Government; develop a coherent national strategy for the residential strata sector; adopt measures tailored to the strata environment.
Practice Standard for Professional Engineers
OCN made a short submission on the draft Practice Standard for Professional Engineers, noting that this Practice Standard should also apply to all building consultants.
Home Building Act 2023 Licensing Framework
The OCN welcomes the opportunity to comment upon the Building Bill 2023 – Licensing Proposals. The OCN is one of, if not the most, important stakeholder in this area, but does not have the resources or paid staff or lobbyists that industry stakeholders have.
NSW Home Building Compensation Fund Reforms
Having made submissions in August 2022, OCN was invited to provide feedback on the draft Regulation. Our pro bono lawyers laid out serious concerns with the proposals.
Review of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015
16 January 2023 OCN made a submission on the Strata Schemes Management Act. Read submission:> OCN Submission - Strata Schemes Management Act 230116
Off The Plan Contracts for Residential Properties
In 2015 and 2019 the NSW government introduced additional protections for purchasers entering into off the plan property contracts.
Reforming Building Laws in NSW
In the largest reform of building laws in decades, the NSW Government is working to create a new foundation for construction by looking at how they can improve laws, better protect consumers and support workers.
Home Building Compensation Reform
The Home Building Compensation Fund is a 'last resort safety net' for owners suffering defects or incomplete works due to the builder's insolvency, death, disappearance or license suspension.
Inquiry into Embedded Networks in NSW – OCN Testimony
OCN was invited to appear before the parliamentary Inquiry into embedded networks in NSW.
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