Each week, get a concise, trustworthy wrap of the biggest strata and property stories across Australia. We scan rule changes, tribunal decisions, insurance trends, construction and defect updates, and real-world case studies to keep committees, managers and owners informed. Expect plain-English summaries, key takeaways, and practical context so you can navigate obligations with confidence and stay ahead of emerging risks. A steady, no-fuss briefing designed for Australians living in or managing strata communities.
This Week:
This week: NSW opens an inquiry into replacing the Emergency Services Levy on insurance; a court ruling sees a Lloyds syndicate contribute to cladding replacement at The Star, underscoring the value of strong contracts and records; coastal erosion pressures highlight risk and maintenance priorities for coastal strata; and a warning on unlicensed builders reinforces licence and certificate checks before repairs. Practical steps throughout to help committees protect cover and manage costs.
EPISODE 1323 | Strata Cover Australia Weekly News | Sun, 22nd Feb 2026
25 Feb 2026 | Paige Estritori
00:00:00
00:00:00
1x
Read Full Transcript:
Hello and welcome to Strata Cover Australia Weekly News, Im Paige Estritori, and its Sunday, 22 February 2026.
First up, New South Wales has kicked off a parliamentary inquiry into replacing the Emergency Services Levy, or ESL, currently added to insurance premiums. The aim is to test alternative funding models and improve affordability. For strata committees in NSW, this could shift the way levies appear on your policy later on, but nothing changes today. Keep cover current, and if youre budgeting, ask your broker how different ESL models might flow through to strata insurance costs.
Next up, a court has ordered a Lloyds syndicate to contribute to cladding replacement at Sydneys Star casino after finding non‑compliant panels caused property damage. While this is a commercial case, the message for residential strata is clear: tight contracts, warranties and records matter. If your building has façade or waterproofing works, keep your documentation in one place and confirm your strata insurance policys stance on known defects and remediation.
Meanwhile, coastal communities in South Australia are weighing the rising cost of erosion, with some councils even considering retreat from the most exposed shorelines. For coastal apartment buildings nationally, insurers are watching maintenance and mitigation closely. Practical step: review your flood and storm‑surge exposure, schedule guttering and drainage upkeep, and make sure valuations reflect todays rebuild costs so coverage isnt short.
And finally, regulators have warned homeowners about unlicensed builders and falsified insurance certificates in Sydneys west. Defective work can void warranties, derail projects, and complicate claims. Committees planning repairs or upgrades should verify licences, check Home Building Compensation Fund certificates in NSW, and use written contracts that spell out scope, standards and timeframes.
Thats your wrap. For clear comparisons, guidance on state requirements, and support that makes claims easier, visit strata-cover.com.au and let us help you line up the right strata insurance for your building.
The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
Follow us!
We are a proud member of the Financial Services Online network!
Connect with us on your favourite social media platform for the latest financial news, views, resources and information.
New South Wales has introduced a series of reforms aimed at strengthening the maintenance and repair obligations of strata properties, enhancing the safety and integrity of these communities. Effective from November 2025, these changes grant NSW Fair Trading the authority to issue compliance notices and enter enforceable undertakings with owners' corporations that fail to meet their maintenance responsibilities. - read more
Whitbread Insurance Brokers has announced the appointment of Lia de Sousa as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a significant strategic shift towards exclusive specialization in strata insurance services. With nearly four decades of experience in the insurance industry, including over 25 years at Whitbread, Ms. de Sousa brings a wealth of expertise to her new role. - read more
CHU Underwriting Agencies, Australia's leading strata insurance provider, has announced significant enhancements to its residential strata insurance policy, reflecting the evolving needs of property owners and strata communities. These updates aim to simplify insurance processes, bridge coverage gaps, and provide more comprehensive protection for strata residents. - read more
CHU, Australia's largest strata insurance underwriting agency, has released its 2025 State of the Strata Market report, providing a comprehensive analysis of key industry statistics, trends, and market forces shaping the strata sector. The report addresses critical areas such as affordability, climate-related risks, regulatory reforms, and emerging challenges. - read more
Strata insurance is a specific type of insurance designed to cover shared property and common areas within a strata-titled property. This includes coverage for dwelling structures, common hallways, roofs, and sometimes even shared swimming pools or gardens. - read more
Strata insurance, also known as body corporate insurance, is a form of cover specifically designed for properties that share ownership or have multiple units. It typically covers the building and common areas, along with liability protection. This includes areas such as the roof, stairwells, lifts, driveways, and shared spaces in residential complexes, units, or apartments. - read more
Strata schemes are a popular form of property ownership in Australia, particularly in cities where high-density living is common. A strata scheme is essentially a building or collection of buildings that allows for individual ownership of a part of the property, combined with shared ownership of common areas. Residents coexist in a community and collectively manage shared spaces such as gardens, driveways, or facilities. - read more
When it comes to strata insurance, making a claim can feel daunting if you're not familiar with the process. A vital first step is understanding what constitutes a claimable event. Typically, these are events that lead to damage or loss in the common areas of a property, such as fire, storm damage, or vandalism. However, each policy can vary, so it’s important to check the specifics of what your coverage includes. - read more
Knowledgebase
Reinsurance: Insurance that an insurance company purchases from another insurance company to mitigate risk.
