Strata reform Bills progress to Legislative Council

• Strata Titles Amendment Bill has passed the Legislative Assembly
• Bills to be read to the Legislative Council for the first time today
• Provides a simpler, modernised, transparent and accountable strata framework for WA
• Reform will open up new housing and commercial opportunities, and support economic growth

Key legislation to reform Western Australia's strata title framework is now a step closer, with two Bills passing the Legislative Assembly.

The Strata Titles Amendment Bill and Community Titles Bill will now move to the Legislative Council, where they will be read to the Upper House for the first time today (August 28).

The Bills bring a raft of improvements to the way Western Australian strata schemes are developed and managed, including the introduction of two new forms of strata - leasehold schemes and community title schemes.

Drafting of these reforms has been several years in the making, with significant work completed under the current government.

Consideration of the Bills in Parliament saw agreement reached on an amendment, which will provide further protections for strata owners regarding the termination of schemes including:

• Lifting the required vote for a detailed termination proposal to proceed from 75 per cent to 80 per cent; and
• Removing the ability to terminate schemes of less than five units without unanimous approval.

The State's population is projected to rise to 4.3 million by 2056, meaning the reforms are integral to support the delivery of greater housing choice across Western Australia.

Innovative housing options that provide for integrated commercial and residential developments inclusive of public transport will support the McGowan Government's METRONET vision.

For more information on the Bills, visit the Landgate website.

Comments attributed to Lands Minister Rita Saffioti:

"The Legislative Assembly agreed to a minor amendment to the Strata Titles Amendment Bill, which allays community concerns about fairness regarding the termination of schemes. I now look to the Legislative Council to support this amendment.

"The Community Titles Bill will see a new form of strata introduced to Western Australia, enabling the delivery of new and innovative housing options.

"Reforms to strata legislation will benefit those who live in, own, manage, develop or are considering purchasing strata property."