Building Units and Group Titles and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022

Introduced and championed the bill as Attorney-General, emphasising its targeted reforms to improve body corporate governance for proprietors in older developments, particularly addressing the crisis at Couran Cove Island Resort.

“The clear focus of the bill is making body corporate governance arrangements under these two acts fairer and more transparent for unit owners.”— 2022-11-08View Hansard

Supported the bill as shadow Attorney-General while criticising the government for taking four years to act on the QUT property law review recommendations, and urged swift commencement and adequate resourcing for the body corporate commissioner.

“The LNP will be supporting this bill, of course.”— 2022-11-08View Hansard

Supported the bill while raising three concerns from her statement of reservation: insufficient ongoing funding for the commissioner's office, the limited scope of the bill, and the inability of bodies corporate to recover costs when pursuing levy debts.

“Hopefully, the other changes that are needed will be on the way shortly and all can finally see some light at the end of what has been a very long, dark tunnel.”— 2022-11-08View Hansard

Supported the bill, highlighting its improvements to dispute resolution, requirements for bodies corporate to act reasonably, conflict of interest provisions, and preservation of subsidiary voting rights.

“Where we can establish a clear legislative framework, particularly around the expectations of bodies corporate, the role they play, the boundaries of that role, their expectations and transparency and how they communicate with their stakeholders, that clarity really will, in my view, help with preventing disputes for all parties.”— 2022-11-08View Hansard

Supported the bill, noting the growing number of body corporate residents in his electorate and the urgent need for reform illustrated by the Couran Cove crisis, while calling for broader reforms including to the BCCM Act.

“This legislation goes some way in addressing all of these issues.”— 2022-11-08View Hansard

Supported the bill as Minister for Communities and Housing, framing it as part of the government's broader housing reform agenda to ensure all Queenslanders enjoy the same rights regardless of which legislative framework governs their property.

“All Queenslanders who own units in community title schemes should enjoy the same rights and protections regardless of the legislative framework that the property is governed by.”— 2022-11-08View Hansard

Supported the bill while strongly criticising the government for delays in enacting reforms, highlighting the devastating conditions faced by Couran Cove residents including an 89-year-old legally blind woman left without electricity.

“In my view, the fact that Couran Cove has deteriorated to this point—to the point where Couran Cove residents had to resort to standing on the beach with the words 'Help No Gas' dug into the sand—demonstrates just how slow the state government has been to move on this issue.”— 2022-11-08View Hansard

Supported the bill, noting that as the member for McConnel she has constituents in Cathedral Place under the MUD Act facing similar issues, and praised the targeted approach to addressing critical deficiencies.

“If some of these stories that are coming in here today are deemed to be a reasonable way that a body corporate should act, I will walk backwards and eat my hat.”— 2022-11-08View Hansard

Described the bill as non-controversial but criticised it as 'one tiny step' when urgent, meaningful change is needed, calling for action on building management statements, embedded networks, disaster planning, and proper funding for the commissioner's office.

“This bill is one tiny step towards reform of body corporate law in Queensland, when what we need is urgent, meaningful change.”— 2022-11-08View Hansard

Supported the bill, highlighting the plight of Couran Cove residents and the new requirements for bodies corporate to act reasonably and ensure continuity of essential utility services.

“While the problems around the resort highlight deficiencies within the building units and group titles and mixed use development acts, there are broader concerns about their operations which need to be resolved.”— 2022-11-08View Hansard

Supported the bill as Leader of the Opposition, focusing on the hope it gives to residents of Couran Cove and urging the government to respond quickly if further changes are needed.

“We cannot promise you money or power, but we can promise you hope.”— 2022-11-08View Hansard

Supported the bill, noting increasing density in her electorate and the importance of fair and transparent body corporate governance for people's quality of life.

“The roof that is over your head is fundamental to your quality of life and if things are not right there then a lot of other things are not right either.”— 2022-11-08View Hansard

Supported the bill, sharing stories of Couran Cove residents in her electorate who have been severely impacted, including seniors denied mobility access on the island.

“Those people—they know who they are—should absolutely hang their heads in shame for what they have done to the residents of that island.”— 2022-11-08View Hansard

Supported the bill, emphasising its reforms to improve transparency, fairness and dispute resolution for proprietors in older community title developments.

“I was particularly pleased that these reforms are going to empower people through better information and education services.”— 2022-11-08View Hansard

Supported the bill, focusing on the dispute resolution improvements and their importance for the mental health and wellbeing of residents.

“We need to pass this bill. It is essential for the wellbeing of all people who reside in these dwellings.”— 2022-11-08View Hansard