Wild Weather in Far North Queensland
As I write this, Far North Queensland is again preparing for another cyclone to make landfall. As we brace for the impact of this weather event, many members are still working with their bodies corporate who were severely impacted by Cyclone Jasper and the extreme storms on the Gold Coast just before Christmas 2023.
At the outset, I’d like to acknowledge the commitment of our members who worked tirelessly to assist their bodies corporate to get back on their feet as soon as possible. We acknowledge this may take longer for some than others, but SCAQ members truly rose to the challenge.
These extreme weather events are an important reminder about the importance of having a professional strata manager ‘on the job’. I have confidence that where our members have been involved, the outcomes for these bodies corporate will be the best they can be in the circumstance, recognising there are many factors out of our control.
Insurance in Queensland and the Reinsurance Pool
These weather events bring me to the topic of insurance in Queensland and the Reinsurance Pool.
I have written to the Premier and reiterated our concerns about the reinsurance pool and the broader issues of access and affordability of insurance for strata communities. As have I raised this issue with Treasurer Cameron Dick, Attorney General Yvette D'Ath, and the Opposition – David Crisafulli, David Jantezki, and Tim Nicholls - all several times over the last 12 months, my letter will have been no surprise to our Premier, Steven Miles.
In short terms, I have asked the Government to:
Review Government charges at both Federal and State levels that contribute close to 30% of insurance premiums to support cost-of-living relief for strata communities
Improve mitigation and resilience funding to communities that are impacted heavily
Pressure the Federal Government to review and improve the Reinsurance Pool in FNQ
I am genuinely concerned at the prospect of underinsurance – by law, bodies corporate must be insured, and we must ensure it is accessible and equitable.
I am pleased to finally see other organisations joining our choir – finally – and making a positive contribution to the conversation on strata insurance in Queensland.
I am also pleased that we are establishing our very own Strata Insurance Taskforce in Queensland. Our issues are unique (isn’t that Queensland all over!) and we need unique solutions and specialist expertise to solve them.
2024 SCAQ Conference at The Star, Gold Coast
I have three words – GET YOUR TICKETS!
The SCAQ 2024 Conference is going to be the best yet.
The Conference program has been curated to ensure that every member has access to a learning and professional development opportunity that fits their stage of career and role. From technical deep dives to mind-expanding leadership and communication development sessions - there is genuinely something for everyone. We have a mix of industry experts and external speakers and I believe we have struck the right balance and tempo in our programming.
The new adjunct conference workshop program has been very well received – the workshops have already almost sold out so don’t leave it too long to book if you want to add these into your conference experience.
One of SCAQ’s strategic deliverables to members is an elevated education offering and I know you won’t be disappointed.
Laura Bos
SCAQ General Manager
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