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Ahead of the 2025 Western Australia general state election, a community association urged political parties to pledge support for a dedicated strata commissioner’s office and additional legislative reforms.
The Strata Community Association Western Australia (SCA WA) has released its 2025 Election Platform, encouraging political parties to commit to establishing a dedicated strata commissioner’s office and further legislative reforms.
The SCA WA advocated for a $10 million commitment over four years from the next state government to create a strata commissioner’s office and appoint a strata commissioner.
Kerrian Simmonds, general manager of SCA WA, emphasised the need for a streamlined strata management approach, citing the growing number of Western Australians living in strata properties.
“With one in six West Australians already living in an apartment or other strata dwelling, a dedicated strata commissioner’s office would be instrumental in strengthening consumer protections, advancing reforms and resolving disputes efficiently,” Simmonds said.
The proposed office would serve as a central body for strata community oversight, regulation and dispute resolution, aiming to support strata owners, residents, managers and service providers.
Though a strata commissioner’s office, the SCA WA aims to define strata management by ensuring clear role definitions, mandatory registration and compliance enforcement, with penalties for strata managers failing to meet legal requirements.
Simmonds said that while standards in Western Australia’s strata sector have been revised, challenges remain in professional development, education and regulation.
“While standards have improved, significant reforms are needed to ensure the governing legislation remains effective,” Simmonds said.
Additionally, SCA WA has been involved in the five-year review of the Strata Titles Act 1985, working closely with Landgate and other stakeholders to develop a submission to improve transparency and confidence in the sector.
SCA WA’s five-year review highlights the need for legislative updates in key areas, including 10-year plans, sustainability infrastructure, licensing, seller disclosures, governance, insurance and contract fairness.
Other key proposals in SCA WA’s 2025 Election Platform include recommendations to the current Strata Titles Act.
The SCA WA recommended the establishment of a strata titles legislative reform working group comprising industry leaders, legal bodies, real estate representatives, consumer advocates and continuous government support to guide policy development.
The association also requested a review of government sustainability initiatives related to strata to ensure targeted funding and progressive policies meet the needs of the strata sector.
Simmonds said that continued legislative reform and professional development will be critical to addressing challenges and improving the overall quality of strata living in Western Australia.
“By committing to the review process and adopting these recommendations, it is our belief the WA government can enhance trust, transparency and long-term confidence in the sector, ensuring strata remains a sustainable and desirable option for housing, investment and community living,” Simmonds said.
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