NSW strata commissioner John Minns has announced he will leave the job after reaching the “limits of what is possible without adequate budget or resourcing”. 

In a post on Linkedin explaining the “difficult decision” to step down after three years, he thanks consumer advocates, industry associates and members of NSW Fair Trading and the Department of Customer Service for their efforts, and calls for greater dialogue on the property sector.

“It is time for a national conversation on the future of strata and real estate in Australia,” Mr Minns said. “Sector participants need to lead alongside government to deliver the innovation and consumer-centric change that is needed in an increasingly complex environment where cost-of-living pressures, housing supply and economic wellbeing for millions of people are at stake.”  

Mr Minns was the subject of a Department of Customer Service probe in September after the ABC’s Four Corners revealed his family trust had owned more than 500,000 shares in real estate company Independent Property Group.

NSW Fair Trading today told insuranceNEWS.com.au the review is unrelated to Mr Minns’ decision to leave. 

“In August, the DCS secretary requested an external review into claims raised by ABC’s Four Corners program involving strata and property services commissioner John Minns and his financial interest in ACT real estate business Independent Property Group,” a Fair Trading spokesperson said.  

“The review found there was no basis to proceed with misconduct proceedings. However, Mr Minns has decided he will resign from his position ahead of his contract expiry early next year.”

Mr Minns says he will continue in his role on the board of Proptech Association Australia.