​"The Body Corporate Commissioner's office 101"

A relaxed discussion with the Body Corporate Commissioner, Chris Irons

The Body Corporate Commissioner’s office plays a vital role in the Strata industry in Queensland. 
The Commissioner has a diverse role in dealing with an incredibly diverse group of people as stakeholders with strongly-held opinions and competing priorities. 
The Commissioner’s office provides information and finds ways through the complexity of the jurisdiction to provide everyday Queenslanders with relevant and simplified information. 
In this episode, Chris Irons, the Body Corporate Commissioner, outlines the dispute resolution avenues and how his office provides means for resolving matters that have not been resolved via the primary steps of dispute resolution. 
There are currently more than half a million lots and 50,000 bodies corporates in Queensland and growing. The Commissioner’s office provides information (not legal advice) and Chris explains some of the challenges that his office grapples with.
Chris also outlines that the primary method his office uses for pushing information out to people is Common Ground, a newsletter that goes out on a fairly regular basis and which serves two purposes:
•	an informative regular bulletin
•	to advertise webinars, seminars or events
Subscribe here to Common Ground: https://www.qld.gov.au/bodycorporate
How to contact the Body Corporate Commissioner’s office:
•	Phone: 1800 060 119
•	Website: https://www.qld.gov.au/bodycorporate 

What is Let’s Talk Strata

The Let’s Talk Strata podcast is the first of its kind for QLD. It’s a platform that sees pinnacle industry professionals discuss matters within the areas of their expertise concerning all things Strata, Strata issues affect a significant number of Queenslanders and this podcast seeks to elevate those important issues to the communities’ attention. The podcast also strives to obtain the views of every important stakeholder in the Strata industry

Let's Talk Strata

The Body Corporate Commissioner's office 101

EP001 - Chris Irons - The Body Corporate Commissioner's office 101

​"Management rights - tips, tricks and challenges​"

An informative chat with the director of Mahoneys Lawyers, John Mahoney

In this podcast episode, you will hear discussion about handling challenges and disputes associated with management rights from the perspective of the committee, the caretaker manager, the legal practitioner, and the body corporate manager. 

John Mahoney provides insightful discussion on the issues that affect caretaker agreements, as well as providing best practice tips.

John Mahoney contact details:
Telephone: (07) 3007 3718 
Email: jmahoney@mahoneys.com.au

What is Let’s Talk Strata Podcast:

The Let’s Talk Strata podcast is the first of its kind for QLD. It’s a platform that sees pinnacle industry professionals discuss matters within the areas of their expertise concerning all things Strata, Strata issues affect a significant number of Queenslanders and this podcast seeks to elevate those important issues to the communities’ attention. The podcast also strives to obtain the views of every important stakeholder in the Strata industry.

Let's Talk Strata Podcast

EP002 - John Mahoney - Management rights - tips, tricks and challenges

​"Strata, Law reforms and how they affect us all​​"

A technical and practical discussion with Professor Michael Weir, Faculty of Law - Bond University

In this episode of the Let’s Talk strata podcast, our guest delves into the complexity of the Body Corporate Law, its proposed law reforms and how these changes may impact lot owners, tenants, invitees and committee members.

Professor Michael Weir covers the following hot Strata topics:
•	Property rights and what it means to be part of a Community Title Scheme;
•	Achieving equitable outcomes in Body Corporate disputes;
•	Building sustainable Strata developments and what it takes to build a good community;
•	Controlling building defects;
•	Tips when purchasing a Strata title property;
•	The importance of Strata education for lot owners and practitioners alike.

Professor Michael Weir also discusses his academic perspective on potential law reforms and analyses them against the current law, such as:
•	changes to the resolution without dissent threshold requirement;
•	More equitable calculation of lot entitlements;
•	Controlling nuisances such as smoking and parking.

EP003 - Professor Michael Weir - Strata, Law reform and how they affect us all

"A fervent discussion on navigating through the inherent challenges of Strata"

Practical insights into Strata relationships and disputes with Frank Higginson, Director and Partner at Hynes Legal

In Episode 4 of the Let’s Talk Strata podcast, Frank Higginson discusses his experience in dealing with clients and the underlying triggers to body corporate disputes. Aside from the absolute need to communicate effectively, he raises the idea that disputing parties will often best serve their interests by “calming their farm”, engaging the right people and understanding the true nature of their dispute.

Frank elaborates on the ardent need to understand the dispute at hand by knowing “where you are now, where you want to get to, and how you want to get there”.

Frank also sheds some light on his observations on the strata management industry and discusses the following topics, offering tips and practical suggestions:
•	Management rights, managing that relationship and interconnected expectations;
•	Dealing with contentious By-laws, including those relating to:
o	hard flooring
o	hours of use of recreational facilities
o	smoking
o	pets
o	noise
o	towing
o	parking
o	short term letting

Let’s Talk Strata

EP004 - Frank Higginson-A fervent discussion on navigating through the inherent challenges of Strata

A visionary view on the Strata industry with James Nickless, Vice President of Strata Community Australia Qld (SCA.

In the 5th episode of the Let’s Talk Strata Podcast, James Nickless discusses the present and future needs of the Strata industry, elaborating on: 
•	the need for more defined carrier pathways into the Strata industry;
•	expansion of Strata education to practitioners an all stakeholders;
•	technology and other innovations;
•	possible direction in the termination of the schemes;

James also discusses the role of the Strata managers and how this key stakeholder is set to evolve in the future. He discusses ways that managers can improve their skills to become a service provider, stating:

“.. look outside the industry .. if I was a Strata manager, I’d be looking at who is the leadership pinup … who is the efficiency guru … find some heroes … is Disney the best customer service company in the world, and if they are, how do we make our Strata company the Disney of Strata.”

James finally talks about the things Queensland can learn from other States in honing its law reform.

EP005 - James Nickless - The Strata industry now, and a vision for the future

Caretakers, challenges and Role of ARAMA

An informative walk-through the concept of management rights and the Caretaker Manager in Queensland with Trevor Rawnsley, CEO of ARAMA (Australian Resident Accommodation Managers Association)

In the 8th episode of the Let’s Talk Strata Podcast, Trevor Rawnsley explains the concept of management rights in Queensland and how ARAMA supports this stakeholder group in the strata industry.  Trevor discusses the unique role that ARAMA plays in Queensland and overviews the demographic of its members.

In identifying the crucial role that Caretaking Managers play in strata, and acknowledging the significant challenges in meeting client expectations, Trevor advocates that the role is rewarding and provides for a unique lifestyle.

Trevor also addresses the following matters relating to management rights:
- The differing conflicts between investor owners or owner occupiers
- Short-term letting and its obstacles
- The real roles of the Caretaking Managers
- The importance of the cooperation between the triangle of Body Corporate - - Manager, Caretaking Manager, and the committee
- That people should put personality differences aside and collaborate towards the best interests of the Body Corporate 
- How ARAMA looks at the industry with a global view as opposed to merely looking itself, as a peak body, in isolation.  In doing so, it advocates for collaboration with stakeholders towards reaching common goals.

Trevor Rawnsley contact details:
E:Trevor@arama.com.au
P: 0417 197 687

ARAMA Website:
www.arama.com.au

EP008 - Trevor Rawnsley - Caretakers, Challenges and role of ARAMA

In the 11th episode of the Let’s Talk Strata Podcast, Coralie sheds light on the practicalities and challenges in delivering outcomes and exceeding client expectations.  Coralie overviews the evolution of strata management and highlights the critical role that Body Corporate Managers, or BCMs, play in ensuring Bodies Corporate operate within the ambit of the legislation. 

Particularly, Coralie and Marc discuss the following:

-	Communication as key to managing expectations of contractors and sub-contractors and committees;
-	Enhancing the delivery of strata management through technology, including the more effective conduct of meeting procedures;
-	The emergence of electronic voting and how this will enhance transparency, speed of delivery and access to clients;
-	Complexities found in the more modern layered schemes and managing the enlarged responsibilities and obligations;
-	The expansion of the BCM’s role and the emergence of the concept of the BCM as “information facilitator”;
-	Managing the tension between delivery of legislative information to clients and the referral to lawyer for necessary legal advice;
-	The pathway to a career in strata management - education, ongoing professional development and practice, and developing of professional networks – + tips to new entrants to the industry;
-	Future directions of strata management and the need for industry stakeholder collaboration and self-regulation or licencing of strata professionals;
-	Exploration of “on-the-ground” BCM issues, such as:
o	Managing BCM disputes;
o	BCM termination of its agreement in certain circumstances;
o	Tips on enhancing strata financial management;
o	Acquisition of BCM skill sets.
Coralie’s contact details:

Tel: (07) 3367 3559

Email: coralie.mott@ctsm.com.au 

Website: www.ctsm.com.au

EP011 - Coralie Mott - Body Corporate Managers –the critical cog in the strata machine

The interaction between residential tenancies and bodies corporate, and how the RTA fits in.

An informative discussion on the role of the RTA and managing strata tenancy matters with Lynn Smith, Senior Community Education Officer at Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA)

Lynn provides an overview of the RTA’s role and function in relation to tenancies in Queensland, and in particular, those tenancies occurring within a Body Corporate.  Topics covered include discussion on:

•	An overview of RTA forms and what they are used for;
•	Role and scope of RTA:
-	RTA Conciliators;
-	RTA Investigation team.
•	What matters and parties the RTA can deal with and interaction with cross-jurisdictional matters;
•	Differences in dispute resolution pathways open for tenants and landlords and typical disputes that come to the RTA for dispute resolution, such as:
-	By-law disputes – the effect of Body Corporate by-laws in tenancy matters, and how the RTA assists its customers;
-	Managing damage to Common Property caused by tenants – a discussion on maintenance vs fair wear and tear;
-	Breach Notices.
•	Tips on applying for dispute resolution assistance with the RTA;
•	What happens if a matter is not resolved during RTA dispute resolution processes;
•	RTA penalty and enforcement processes for breaches of Queensland tenancy laws, such as unlawful entry, failure to lodge rental bonds with the RTA, failure to supply required RTA documentation;
•	Role of on-site managers in lodging the bond application;
•	Tips for landlords and tenants in better managing tenancy issues: communication, being informed of the rules and where to find them;
•	The review of residential tenancy legislation.

RTA contact details:

Tel: 1300 366 311

Email: rta@rta.qld.gov.au 

RTA website:
www.rta.qld.gov.au

RTA News signup:
https://www.rta.qld.gov.au/News-to-your-inbox?b=842B83A1A55643508C318D7458526208

RTA Factsheets:
https://www.rta.qld.gov.au/Forms-and-publications/Fact-sheets

RTA Forms:
https://www.rta.qld.gov.au/Forms-and-publications/Forms

EP012 - Lynn Smith - The Interaction between Residential Tenancies & BC & How the RTA Fits in

In the 13th Episode of Let’s Talk Strata, the second interview with the Body Corporate Commissioner for Queensland, Chris Irons, comes back again to further elaborate on common disputes that occur on a daily basis in a Community Titles Scheme.  Topics covered include discussion on:

•	Recap on statutory limitation periods for Body Corporate debt recovery and a review of the recent Court of Appeal case of Body Corporate for Mount Saint John Industrial Park Community Title Scheme 18632 v Superior Stairs & Joinery Pty Ltd [2018] QCA 173.  Chris discusses the statutory requirements and processes involved in recovery such as payment plans against the backdrop of the Body Corporate’s requirement raise necessary funds, and to act reasonably in the process;
•	Chris talks about the need for Committees and lot owners alike to seek to resolve underlying issues that might be the precursor to disputes precipitating later – Where Chris talks about the need to “cleanse the well”;
•	Short term letting and a review of the QCAT Case Body Corporate for Hilton Park CTS 27490 v Robertson [2018] QCATA 168;
•	Prescribed process for addressing by-law breaches and the need to properly evidence a breach before taking action;
•	Other breaches are explored in the context of Adjudication decisions and other decisions– parking, visitor parking, noise, hard flooring, smoking, towing;
•	Smoking nuisances and the difficulties in establishing breach and sufficient evidence of nuisance (Norbury v. Hogan [2010] QCATA 027);
•	Towing and best practice for a Body Corporate considering this course of action;
•	Best practice tips to managing disputes generally, requirement for reasonableness in decisions of the body corporate, and no-go zones for the body corporate to be mindful of when managing disputes;
•	The role of Conciliation and Adjudication in finding resolution;
•	Chris discusses the BCCM Commissioner’s Office and collaborative initiatives with other Government and non-Government agencies to address common issues in strata;
•	Preventative dispute resolution steps prior to making Conciliation and Adjudication applications, and the need to understanding the underlying issues to a dispute and “narrowing the focus”.
•	Chris provides advice on accessing the Newsletter and webinars from the Commissioner’s Office in relation to the above issues, and a great many more.

Contact details:

Subscribe here to the Commissioner's office Newsletter, Common Ground:
•	https://www.qld.gov.au/bodycorporate
Contact the Commissioner’s office:
•	Phone: 1800 060 119
•	Website: https://www.qld.gov.au/bodycorporate
BCCM Webinar series:
•	https://publications.qld.gov.au/dataset/bccm-webinar-series

EP013 - Chris Irons - Best Practice And Tips In Managing By - Law Disputes

In the 14th Episode of Let’s Talk Strata, Gary overviews a brief history in the rise of strata developments in Queensland, illustrating the complexities in the realisation of sustainable communities.

In identifying “strata titling as one of the more famous exports that Australia has been responsible for in the legal sector”, Gary draws comparisons on complex forms of strata titling in Australia and overseas.

Additionally, Gary delivers a stimulating discussion on the following:

-	Strata from a global perspective (e.g. Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the tallest building on earth)
-	Hallmarks of good structuring of bodies corporate in terms of titling, subdivision, and management;
-	How incorrect subdivision can affect strata management;
-	Matters to consider when assessing and attributing costs to different purposes and use in commercial, residential and mixed use strata properties;
-	Types of facilities to accommodate in strata properties and the role of developers in creating genuine and sustainable strata communities;
-	The ingredients to creating a great strata community for occupiers;
-	The impacts of correct long-term decision-making and the role that skilled consultants play.

EP014-Gary Bugden_Strata Titling, Developers & Challenges in Building Sustainable Communities

In the 16th episode, Peter hones in on his experience in strata management and how to bring the best out of a community titles scheme.
 
Peter recounts on changes in the industry such as demographic changes and the changing role of the Body Corporate Manager as a “trusted advisor”.
 
Peter also discusses:

Infrastructure changes in new developments and the need to take advantage of modern initiatives;
The need to enhance sustainability in a Community Titles Scheme;
The importance of implementing best management practices in a new development from the beginning;
Managing committee expectations from a BCM’s perspective – including the need to encourage ongoing training and education for committees;
The need for the BCM to be visible and maintain an interaction and relationship with lot owners and the committee, and strategies to achieve this including AI and data analytics;
The benefits of harnessing on existing skills within the community of lot owners in a scheme;
Navigating challenges when a committee cannot be formed, and ways to encourage participation;
How a BCM can enhance their career in strata management;
A view on the future of education and licencing in the strata industry;
Best practices in meeting procedures and the need for the BCM to understand the legislation and procedures (including managing voting rights);
BCMs need in enhancing communication, offering other services such as facilities management and advising committee’s on appropriate experts when needed;
The factors that affect cost for the Body Corporate Manager’s services and the need to set committee expectation as to cost at the committee budget committee meeting and obtaining approval before incurring such costs.

​Contact details:
T: (07) 37217000
Email: peter.crogan@picagroup.com.au

EP016 - Peter Crogan_Managing managers, committees and body corporate meetings

The Let’s Talk Strata podcast is the first of its kind for QLD. It’s a platform that sees pinnacle industry professionals discuss matters within the areas of their expertise concerning all things Strata, Strata issues affect a significant number of Queenslanders and this podcast seeks to elevate those important issues to the communities’ attention. The podcast also strives to obtain the views of every important stakeholder in the Strata industry.

EP008 - Trevor Rawnsley - Caretakers, Challenges and role of ARAMA

Let's Talk Strata

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