Strata Community Association (SCA) has placed building defect issues on the political agenda ahead of the Victorian state election next month.

Recommendations in an SCA priorities document include that the next Victorian Government addresses defects proactively and takes greater action to close existing loopholes in the domestic building insurance (DBI) scheme.

“All of our recommendations are non-partisan and can be easily achieved within the next term of government, and we strongly encourage the major parties vying for Victorians’ votes to ultimately commit to them, so that we can create a more liveable urban landscape in Victoria in the years to come," SCA (Vic) President Gregor Evans said.

SCA is calling for the introduction of a base building information portal for the storage of manuals, to be made accessible to owners’ corporations and managers in the event that defects are discovered.

“This can reduce costs to owners’ corporations, lot owners and residents, inclusive of strata insurance premiums,” it says.

SCA says the Government earlier this year announced expanded DBI coverage in Victoria to cover mid-rise residential buildings of eight storeys or less, increasing from three storeys.

But it proposes action to address existing loopholes in the scheme as well as a focus on illegal phoenixing activity within the building and development sectors.

SCA says one in four Victorians, or 1.6 million people live in strata developments including apartments and townhouses.

The recommendations also include establishing a strata helpline to provide rapid general information and advice on issues, laws and regulation.