Consumer Advocates Support Proposed Ban on Strata Insurance Commissions

David Glover, Managing Director of the Owners Corporation Network of Australia, emphasized that the commission's findings validate long-standing concerns regarding conflicted remuneration in the strata industry. He urged the NSW government to adopt the recommendations in full, stating that the commission has made it clear that disclosure alone is insufficient, and the only effective solution is to eliminate conflicted remuneration altogether.

The commission's report, released on March 24, 2026, follows a government-initiated inquiry into remuneration arrangements within the strata sector, prompted by concerns over transparency, trust, and competition. The report advocates for a ban on commissions for strata managers and suggests extending this prohibition to include insurance brokers involved in strata-related work.

Alexandra Kelly, Director of Casework at the Financial Rights Legal Centre, highlighted that conflicts of interest have plagued the strata sector for years, affecting not only strata managers but also insurance brokers. She noted that the commission rightly points out that restricting these commissions would be beneficial for consumers, a stance strongly supported by consumer advocacy groups.

Tyrone Shandiman, Chair of the Australian Consumers Insurance Lobby, described the proposed bans as a critical step toward improving transparency and ensuring that decisions are made in the best interests of lot owners. However, he cautioned that certain company arrangements might still fall outside the scope of the reforms. Shandiman emphasized the importance of addressing potential loopholes during the legislative process to ensure the reforms operate as intended and do not inadvertently allow alternative conflicted remuneration structures to persist.

The commission's recommendations include a three-year transition period to allow existing agency agreements and service contracts to adapt to non-commission terms as they expire. This phased approach aims to minimize disruption while ensuring a smooth transition toward a more transparent and consumer-focused strata insurance market.

As the NSW government considers these recommendations, the support from consumer advocacy groups underscores the pressing need for reforms that prioritize the interests of property owners and enhance the integrity of the strata insurance sector.