Professional Standards Scheme.

The New South Wales Strata Sector is now leading the way for the Property Industry with the highest form of consumer protection regulation approved by the Government.

Over the past four years, Strata Community Association (NSW) and the NSW Government have been working in partnership to strengthen consumer protection and restore consumer confidence.

The NSW Government under the Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation, Hon Kevin Anderson, has approved a Professional Standards Scheme. This formal recognition by the NSW Government is the first of its kind for the property services industry in Australia and marks the beginning of an exciting time for members of SCA (NSW).

The scheme has been approved for an initial period of 5 years commencing from 1st July 2021. This approval means strata manager members of SCA (NSW) must adhere to a Code of Ethics including professional standards and is monitored by Professional Standards Australia.

At the forefront of this scheme is a further commitment to consumers to ensure high professional standards across the strata industry in NSW. This is in line with various other initiatives across NSW, including the NSW Government plan to rebuild the construction sector and restore confidence and professionalism.

The Professional Standards Scheme offers our members’ clients a range of benefits, including:

• The SCA (NSW) will oversee and self-regulate the conduct of all members within a structured professional framework defined by our Code of Ethics;
• In addition to our internal complaints handling process, the Professional Standards Scheme brings a further robust and independent complaints handling process, ensuring clients can be assured of an independent review and response; and
• An increase in Continual Professional Development (CPD) requirements for Strata Managers and Licensees in Charge, ensuring the industry remains up to date, educated, and aware of their on-going responsibilities to the consumer.

If you have any queries regarding the Scheme, please do not hesitate to contact the SCA (NSW) Secretariat by email pss.nsw@strata.community or on 02 9492 8200 for assistance.