SCAQ’s Priorities for Securing Queensland’s Housing Future
Queensland is grappling with a housing crisis that shows few signs of easing. From news headlines to community discussions, the housing shortage has become the dominant issue impacting both existing homeowners and prospective buyers alike. With the upcoming state election on October 26, Queenslanders have a rare opportunity to ensure that housing becomes the central focus for every political party vying for their vote.
The Strata Community Association of Queensland (SCAQ) is bringing forward a clear and essential message: housing is not just about increasing supply but also about protecting the homes we live in and supporting a system that enhances long-term stability and harmony in housing communities. Our election priorities reflect a shift in perspective—recognising strata living as a key solution to Queensland’s housing crisis while emphasising the need for meaningful reforms that protect the rights and interests of residents.
Our Three Pillars
Pillar 1: Strengthening Consumer Confidence in Strata Living
The first pillar aims to make strata living - an increasingly common form of housing in Queensland - safe and reliable for all. SCAQ is calling for:
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Construction and Building Defects: SCAQ advocates for a more robust home warranty scheme and stronger oversight by the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC). This ensures developers and builders are held accountable, and residents feel confident that their homes will be free of defects or that any issues will be swiftly rectified. This addresses one of the biggest concerns for new buyers—fear of poor construction quality.
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Community Harmony: Strata living involves shared spaces, which can sometimes lead to conflict. The SCAQ proposes measures to manage bullying and harassment within the community, emphasizing fairness and balance.
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Reform to original owner contracts is essential to ensure owners and residents have a voice and are not bound by unfair terms set by developers.
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Policies that support community autonomy - such as the regulation of short-term letting—allow residents to have more control over how their buildings are used and protect the integrity of the community environment.
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Affordable and Accessible Insurance: With insurance premiums skyrocketing, affordable strata insurance is essential to ensure that residents are not priced out of their homes due to high fees. This could also incentivise prospective homeowners to consider strata living as a viable option.
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Management Rights Reform: This involves bringing greater transparency and fairness to the way management rights are bought and sold, ensuring that residents and owners are not unfairly disadvantaged by inequitable practices and contract terms.
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Combustible Cladding: Despite progress, dangerous cladding still affects many apartment buildings. The SCAQ stresses that the government must finish removing combustible cladding to ensure residents’ safety.
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EVs and Safety: Electric vehicles (EVs) are the future, but managing their safe integration into strata living is essential. Reform in this area will ensure residents can safely charge their EVs without risking fire hazards from lithium batteries. Balanced policies will encourage sustainability while prioritising safety for all residents.
Pillar 2: Strengthening the Strata Sector
A strong and sustainable strata sector is essential for solving the housing crisis. SCAQ is advocating for:
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Strata Manager Regulations: Professionalising strata management with minimum education standards and a regulatory framework to ensure managers are well-equipped to handle complex issues.
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Bullying and Harassment Support: Providing strata managers with the tools to handle disputes ensure their workplaces are safe.
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Transparency: Requiring full disclosure of insurance commissions and other benefits to build trust within the community.
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Workforce Planning: Addressing the staffing crisis in strata management by supporting workforce development initiatives.
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Sustainability: Government backing to better understand and support the long-term sustainability of the strata sector.
Pillar 3: Strengthening the Strata System
The third pillar focuses on legislative reforms to ensure Queensland’s strata system remains effective as the sector grows. SCAQ’s key priorities include:
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Body Corporate Law Reform: Continued reform of body corporate laws to reflect the changing needs of Queensland’s communities.
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Funding for the Commissioner’s Office: Increased funding to continue to reduce the backlog of disputes and improve services for residents.
A Call for Housing Reform
The SCAQ’s three pillars are designed to create a fairer, more secure housing system for Queensland. As the election approaches, candidates must recognise the long-term impact of these reforms and commit to housing solutions that go beyond increasing supply, they must protect and preserve our homes for life.
This election, we need Queenslanders to call on their representatives to prioritise housing reform that ensures everyone has access to a safe, stable, and affordable home.