In an Australian first for the property services sector, the peak industry body for NSW’s strata sector, Strata Community Association – SCA (NSW), has successfully formalised recognition that strata is a professional industry.
The NSW Government, under the Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation, Kevin Anderson, approved a Professional Standards Scheme (PSS) for the NSW strata sector commencing 1st July 2021 for an initial 5-year period.
This PSS approval means strata management businesses like Strata Title Management (STM), an active member of SCA (NSW) with staff holding board and committee positions, must adhere to a Code of Ethics including professional standards, which will be monitored by Professional Standards Australia.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
What does this mean for owners?
The Professional Standards Scheme will bring a range of benefits including:
- improved consumer protection with SCA (NSW) overseeing and self-regulating the conduct of all its members within a structured professional framework.
- a robust and independent complaints handling process, independent of our own internal process, ensuring an independent review and response.
- an increase in Continual Professional Development (CPD) requirements for Strata Community Managers and Licensee’s in Charge, ensuring the industry remains educated and aware of ongoing responsibilities to owners.
STM State Manager and SCA NSW board member, Emily Doherty, says the business is excited about the PPS and fully supports the commitment to improve the strata industry.
“The team here at STM are committed to supporting SCA with improvements to the strata industry and are devoted to providing an excellent customer experience.
“This is an exciting time for strata. The introduction of the PPS is symbolic of the continual commitment to develop strata as a profession, and to help us retain confidence by ensuring high professional standards are met and goals achieved across the strata industry.”
For further information regarding the Professional Standards Scheme please contact your Community Manager, or call SCA (NSW) on 9492 8200, or visit www.psc.gov.au.
