June 2025
Hello clients, friends, and industry colleagues,
Welcome to the June 2025 edition of STRATA INSITE!
Our second edition for the year covers major updates in property legislation, key regulatory changes, and recent case law across Australia—alongside new insights from our expert team.
If an article sparks your interest or you'd like a tailored session for your team, feel free to reach out—we’re here to support you.
FEATURED ARTICLES
💡 Major Strata Law Reforms - 2nd phase to start on 1 July 2025The Strata Schemes Legislation Amendment Act 2025 introduces sweeping reforms impacting strata managers, committees, financial management, and more. Authored by Coco Chen, Solicitor at BAGL, this article breaks down key changes ahead of the now confirmed 1 July 2025 roll-out of the 2nd phase of reforms. |
💡The Building Legislation Amendment (Buyer Protections) Bill 2025 (Vic)The Building Legislation Amendment (Buyer Protections) Bill 2025 (Vic) introduces major reforms to improve consumer protections in Victoria’s domestic building industry. From streamlining regulatory functions to strengthening insurance coverage, this bill aims to address longstanding issues like fragmented oversight, defective building work, and financial risks for homeowners. |
NSW UPDATES
💡 Residential Tenancy Reforms Now in Effect
The Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024 and supporting regulations are now fully in force as of 19 May 2025. Key changes include the end of “no-grounds” evictions, clearer processes for pet approvals, and rent increase limits across all leases. A new standard form of residential tenancy agreement has also been released.
💡 Update: Conveyancing and Real Property Amendment Bill 2025
The NSW Parliament introduced the Conveyancing and Real Property Amendment Bill 2025 to modernise conveyancing laws, address legal loopholes, and improve administrative efficiency. Key changes include broader release provisions, refined definitions, and updates to notice and data access rules.
💡 A Guide to the Strata Debt Recovery Reforms
From 1 July 2025, major reforms under the Strata Schemes Legislation Amendment Act 2025 will change how owners corporations manage unpaid levies—introducing stricter preconditions, extended notification periods, and a fairer payment allocation process. These updates aim to support lot owners while maintaining financial stability within strata schemes.
QLD UPDATES
💡 Developer hit with largest ever fine under Queensland Strata Law
Queensland Partner Michael Kleinschmidt unpacks a landmark Queensland Court of Appeal decision that confirms developers must notify bodies corporate of changes to staged community schemes. A must-read for developers and body corporate managers.
💡 Q&A: Can a Body Corporate Commence Legal Proceedings Without a General Meeting Resolution?
Urgent legal action by a body corporate can be risky without proper authorisation. In this article, Senior Associate Anna Park explores a recent Supreme Court decision that underscores the importance of precise resolutions when ratifying legal proceedings. This case is a reminder that getting the process right from the start can save time, money, and prevent legal setbacks.
💡 Upcoming webinar: Disclosures of Commissions – Hosted by SCA QLD
SCA (Qld) is hosting a webinar on 3 June 2025 focusing on the legislative obligations for body corporate managers around disclosures and commissions under the Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997.
Presented by Luke Miller from the BCCM Office, the session will also cover the code of conduct and available resources. Register before 2 June at 3:00pm to secure your spot and earn 1 CPD point.
💡 Q&A: How do I get approval to install a car stacker in my car space?
Originally published in the April 2025 edition of The QLD Strata Magazine by LookUpStrata Pty Ltd, Partner Michael Kleinschmidt explores the approval process for installing a car stacker in strata car spaces. He examines the cost considerations, necessary certifications, council approvals, and title requirements. Discover what owners need to know to navigate body corporate requirements effectively.
💡 Brisbane City Council to review low-to-medium density residential zoning to address housing shortage
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has announced a major review of low-to-medium residential zoning in response to rising housing costs. The plan includes revisiting car parking requirements, building heights, and lot sizes to encourage more homes in well-connected areas. With only 445 LMR homes built in 2023 — far below the 10-year average — the goal is to enable up to 6,000 new homes by 2032.
💡 Help Shape Construction Productivity Reform in Queensland
The Queensland Productivity Commission is seeking early input on key regulatory and policy challenges affecting construction sector productivity. Your experiences, insights, and solutions can help guide future reforms without compromising safety or quality. Have your say by submitting feedback before 2 June 2025.
VIC Updates
💡Fee Notice Compliance Requirements for Owners Corporations in Victoria: Legislative Obligations and Practical Considerations
New legislative changes impact how Victorian owners corporations must issue fee notices. Understanding these compliance updates is critical to ensure enforceability and avoid disputes.
In this article, Senior Associate Eve Whitmore outlines the key statutory obligations and best practice guidance.
💡Rule or Be Ruled: Why Your OC Rules Need a Refresh
Solicitor Justine Nguyen explores why many Owners Corporations may be relying on outdated or invalid rules—and what to do about it. Read on to learn why a rules refresh could be vital for your OC.
WA Updates
💡Case Review: Duncan v The Owners of 16 Melville Parade [2025] WASAT 45
In Duncan v The Owners of 16 Melville Parade [2025] WASAT 45, Solicitor Alissa Hammond examines the Tribunal’s refusal to appoint an Administrator despite longstanding disputes and claims of dysfunction within the strata scheme. Allegations of council member misconduct and poor maintenance were not enough to meet the legal threshold. The decision underscores the importance of early conflict resolution in maintaining functional strata governance.
National Updates
🌟 Proper authority to commence litigation in strata - Webinar with LookUpStrata
Missed the webinar with QLD Partner Michael Kleinschmidt? Catch up on key insights, including:
- Why proper authorisation is critical before starting litigation
- State-by-state approval requirements (QLD, NSW, VIC, WA)
- How to act quickly in urgent legal matters
- Practical steps for securing valid body corporate authority
Learn the legal risks of getting it wrong—and how to get it right.
TEAM UPDATES
✨ New team members
We are excited to welcome the following new team members that have joined the growing Bugden Allen family:
- Julia Moroz - Special Counsel, VIC
- Irish Lou Cabarle - Admin Support, LevyCollect
✨ Best Law Firms – Australia Region
We’re honoured to be recognised in the 2026 edition of Best Law Firms – Australia Region, receiving:
✅ National Tier 3 in Real Property Law
✅ Metropolitan Tier 1 – Sydney in Real Property Law
This achievement highlights the exceptional expertise of our Sydney team and the strength of the Bugden Allen network.
A special congratulations to NSW Partner Michael Allen on his 19th consecutive listing in The Best Lawyers in Australia™ for Real Property Law.
✨Out and about with SCA... from our very own SCA WA Board member
Carolyn attended the SCA Australasia Conference in Hobart in May. There was a great turn out (especially from WA!) with some very interesting and thought provoking speakers. The awards night was truly a night of stars. A huge congratulations to all of the finalists and winners of the awards. You should feel very proud of your hard work and commitment to the industry.
The entire Perth team also attended SCA (WA) Law Week. There were a number of interesting State Administrative Tribunal cases to be discussed by Carolyn, as well as some useful sessions relating to latent defects and privacy laws. It was all wrapped up by an entertaining mock hearing, where the solicitors involved took the opportunity to have a bit more fun than would normally be the case at a hearing!
✨ Career opportunities
In Brisbane, we are currently recruiting for an experienced Paralegal to join our team. For more information, please contact us via the Careers page on our website or email info@bagl.com.au.
📱 Get in Touch
If you have any questions in relation to this newsletter, or you would like to know more, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our team on 02 9199 1055, visit our web site or contact us via email at: info@bagl.com.au
- Sydney 02 9199 1055
- Melbourne 03 8582 8100
- Brisbane 07 3905 9260
- Sunshine Coast 07 5406 1280
- Perth 08 9254 6304
Disclaimer: Nothing in this newsletter is intended to be legal advice. You should seek legal advice tailored to your property's specific circumstances. The information in this newsletter and on our web site are of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavour to provide accurate and timely information, we do not guarantee that the information in this newsletter is accurate at the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future.
