Prompted by recent concerns around transparency and fairness in strata insurance commissions, the NSW Government has launched a formal review into the practice — a move that has sparked important conversations across our sector.
As Fair Trading Minister Anoulack Chanthivong stated:
“With more than 1.2 million people living in strata schemes in NSW, we need a regulatory environment that stops strata managing agents from being incentivised to act in their own interests rather than in the best interests of strata owners.”
At Bettr Strata, transparency isn’t just a value – it’s the foundation of how we operate. We’ve chosen not to accept commissions because we believe the future of strata management lies in models that are free from financial incentives tied to supplier arrangements. This approach allows us to act with complete independence and clarity, and it’s one we stand by with conviction.
We understand that this position may not reflect the current reality for many operators, and we respect that. I’ve been involved in this industry for nearly two decades, and I’ve worked alongside many professionals who do the right thing, disclose appropriately, and genuinely care about their communities. The concerns raised in this review reflect the actions of a minority, and it’s important that we don’t let those few define the many.
I still remember one of my earliest experiences in strata, sitting across from a small business owner who was doing everything they could to keep their team employed and their clients happy. They relied on commissions to make ends meet, and they were upfront and transparent about it. That conversation stuck with me. It reminded me that behind every business model is a person, a team, and a story. And those stories deserve empathy.
But empathy doesn’t mean avoiding progress. We believe that commission-free models are not just ethically sound, they’re commercially viable and better aligned with the long-term interests of owners and communities. In an industry built on relationships and shared property interests, transparency isn’t optional – it’s essential.
This review is a chance for our sector to evolve. Reform must be thoughtful. It must protect consumers, yes – but it must also ensure that good businesses are not unintentionally pushed to the brink. We invite others to explore models that prioritise independence, clarity, and trust – not because it’s easy, but because it’s right.
We understand that change is difficult, especially when it challenges long-standing business models. But we also believe that the future of strata management must be built on transparency, not opacity. At Bettr Strata, we’re proud to be part of that shift, and we’re ready to support others who want to explore it.
As this conversation unfolds, Bettr Strata remains committed to ethical practice, transparency, and constructive engagement. We stand ready to contribute to a future where consumer protection and business sustainability go hand in hand, and where empathy and transparency are not opposing forces but guiding principles.
Yours in strata,
JM
This blog post was prompted by an article written by Elizabeth Pike and published in The Daily Telegraph on Saturday, 2 August 2025. The article is behind a paywall, and I accessed it through my personal subscription. Out of respect for copyright and access limitations, I have not reproduced or quoted the full article here.