The Australian Consumers Insurance Lobby (ACIL) says it’s seeking information directly from individuals, businesses and industry insiders on their strata sector experiences after the group received “overwhelming" feedback from its exposure of questionable practices. 

ACIL says it’s leveraging momentum from the response to conduct a detailed survey that will help document the breadth of the issues and their impact. 

“Our objective is to compile a robust evidence base that can inform advocacy for meaningful change and industry reform and ensure that the push for transparency and reform isn't solely carried by ACIL,” Chairperson Tyrone Shandiman said today. 

The group last month presented the Australian Securities and Investments Commission and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission with 146 examples relating to strata manager broker appointments and remuneration arrangements that it says require investigation. It has urged regulators to consider a broader review. 

The group is encouraging individuals, businesses and other entities that have “borne the brunt of illicit practices” to complete an online survey that’s open until April 3 and which can be completed anonymously. 

“We are particularly eager to hear from businesses that have suffered due to these practices and industry insiders including current and former employees of strata managers, insurance brokers and or other related businesses,” Mr Shandiman said. 

The group has previously highlighted cases in which strata managers shift property owners onto unreasonably high remuneration models and says there’s a lack of transparency around the commissions and fees paid by insured property owners. 

Strata Community Association (SCA) has developed a disclosure best practice guide to improve transparency in the sector, where there can be complicated remuneration arrangements involving brokers and strata managers.  

The guide aims to improve disclosure around commissions, conflicts of interest and the allocation of remuneration.  

SCA’s website says that after education sessions and evaluation the best practices will transition into the code of conduct from next year.