A year of SCAQ IMPACT

SCAQ President, Andrew Davidson

As the financial year end draws close, I have reflected on some of the progress and initiatives that SCAQ has achieved or are underway.

Our vision A Thriving Strata Sector with the purpose of Advancing the Strata Sector in Queensland serving the interests of strata management professionals is fundamental to the SCAQ success.

I would like to share with you the key achievements under our strategic priorities.

Amplifying the Voice of Strata

SCAQ’s core role is to ensure that the voice of our sector is not only heard, but respected, at the highest levels of government and industry. The regulatory and legislative landscape is constantly evolving, and our ability to influence change from inside the room, not from the sidelines, is critical to ensuring fair, fit-for-purpose outcomes for strata communities and professionals.

Our representation on key government and policy bodies ensures that strata is considered in broader housing, planning, small business, and consumer policy decisions. These include:

• Community Titles Legislation Working Group – where we help shape core legislative reform impacting day-to-day body corporate operations

• Ministerial Building Advisory Council and Premier’s Leaders Forum – giving us direct access to Cabinet-level conversations on housing, construction, and property policy

• BCCMA Stakeholder Group, QBCC Roundtable, and Property Law Working Group – providing feedback on operational, legal, and compliance issues that affect strata schemes and managers

• Small Business Commissioner Advisory Group – ensuring recognition of strata businesses as a unique and vital part of the Queensland economy

• Brisbane City Council Short-Term Letting Taskforce – influencing local planning and amenity regulation in mixed-use and residential schemes

• Initiatives such as StrataWeek and media representation help build broader public understanding of the strata sector’s economic and social contribution. Our policy submissions advocate for practical solutions and raise awareness of unintended consequences in proposed legislation. From smoking bans to construction productivity, seller disclosure to planning law, SCAQ’s voice ensures strata issues aren’t an afterthought.

• Here is a snapshot of some of our recent submissions:

• Community Titles Legislation Working Group- various.

• Tobacco and Other Smoking Products and Other Legislation Amendment Bill

• Queensland Productivity Commission Review into Productivity in the Construction Sector

• Planning (Social Impact and Community Benefit) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill

• Draft Guide to the Seller Disclosure Scheme.

The State Election Campaign was another pivotal moment in positioning strata on the political agenda. We took a proactive approach to engage candidates, raise awareness of member concerns, and push for long-term commitments to sector reform.

Importantly, our ability to host Ministers and senior officials at flagship events such as QStrata reflects the strength of our relationships and our growing credibility as a trusted, solutions-focused industry body.

For members, this work means your challenges are being raised at the right tables, by a team that understands your business and has the influence to create change.

Elevating Professionalism

Our members are trusted by over half a million lot owners to manage billions of dollars in assets across Queensland. That level of responsibility demands the highest standards of professional conduct, continuing education, and sector pride. SCAQ is leading the way in building and recognising this professionalism.

• Our Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program provides the knowledge and tools members need to stay ahead in a complex, compliance-heavy environment. With a mix of online webinars, interactive workshops, and specialist Masterclasses, our education offering is more accessible and responsive than ever.

• The QStrata Conference & Expo is now the largest strata-dedicated event in Queensland, bringing together managers, suppliers, legal and technical experts, and government for high-level insight, networking, and sector strategy.

• Our Awards for Excellence shine a spotlight on individuals and businesses that demonstrate best practice, leadership, innovation, and commitment to community. These awards not only celebrate success, they inspire the entire industry to lift the bar.

• The Elevate Leadership Symposium is designed to develop the next generation of leaders in strata, equipping them with the confidence, capability, and connections to shape the future of our sector.

  
  

Why does this matter? Because elevating professionalism drives better outcomes for clients, increases public trust in the industry, and ensures that strata management is recognised as a legitimate and respected profession, one that deserves regulatory backing and career pathways.

For our members, it means being supported to grow your capabilities, achieve recognition, and operate in a more skilled and reputable sector. And for the broader community, it means better-managed buildings, stronger communities, and higher confidence in the people managing their most valuable assets.

Enhancing Capability

SCAQ recognises that a thriving sector requires strong foundations — not just for members, but within our own organisation. That’s why we’ve invested significantly this year in strengthening our internal governance, expanding member participation, and creating structured pathways for engagement and leadership.

The cornerstone of this has been a comprehensive Board Governance Review. This wasn’t a cosmetic refresh, it was a fundamental re-imagining of how we govern, how we lead, and how we future-proof the Association.

Board Governance Review.

This has been a huge piece of work which is transforming how the Board operates. Two key themes came out of a significant Governance Document.

The first governance theme is the need to bring the fundamental governance documents and policies up to date and fit for purpose, both to fulfill legislative requirements and to assist the Directors to add further value to their decision making. 

The second governance theme is that the Succession/Development/Evaluation responsibilities of the Board need to be further developed through the creation of a Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee (FARM) and the People, Culture, Nominations and Remuneration Committee (PCNR) committee of the Board responsible for continuous improvement of these areas. 

The objectives of the Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee (FARM) are to assist the board in overseeing financial matters, managing audits, and understanding and managing various risks. SCAQ is currently seeking an Independent Chair for this Committee. 

The objectives of the People, Culture, Nominations and Remuneration Committee (PCNR) are to assist the Board in fulfilling its corporate governance responsibilities relating to Board operations, people and culture

Working Groups and Committees

Beyond the Boardroom, we’ve also created more opportunities for members to contribute meaningfully through the formation of working groups and advisory committees. These provide valuable expertise to guide policy, education, events, and member services, while giving members a deeper sense of ownership and influence in SCAQ’s direction.

WiSE Program

This is another step in building sector capability by fostering the leadership, connection, and recognition of women across the industry. This initiative is not just about celebration, it’s about creating structural support for growth, professional confidence, and inclusive leadership pipelines.

Contributing Nationally

As a member of SCA Australasia, we are proud to contribute actively to initiatives that elevate the entire strata profession. This includes:

• Helping to strengthen our brand identity nationally

• Contributing to the development and launch of a new SCA Code of Ethics to standardise expectations across all jurisdictions

• Supporting efforts to register a national Registered Training Organisation (RTO) to deliver strata-specific qualifications and training

• Supporting and influencing how we respond to significant national issues and crisis, ensuring SCAQ members' voices and concerns are heard.

These initiatives position strata management as a legitimate, ethical, and skilled profession, and ensure our members are supported by a strong, unified peak body across the country.

As a board member I am fortunate to understand and see the work that SCAQ is doing for members and in putting together this list I could expand so much more on the hard work that out SCAQ Team and the Volunteers put in. Our ability to foster strong relationships with State Government, Ministers and Senior Public Servants is positive should encourage us and that SCAQ has an ability the to be a credible voice for members.

A big thanks to our SCAQ team led by Laura Bos for their tireless work throughout the financial year and to all of our volunteers; our Board members, Member Committees and Working Groups, and our Industry Expert Educators, we couldn’t do what we do without you .

Andrew Davidson

SCAQ President