ABC investigative reporter Linton Besser exposes the graft, and greed of the strata industry, and reveals that most states have turned a blind eye to the problems.
The Strata Trap aired live on Four Corners 9 September, 2024. You can watch the full report by Linton Besser here: The Strata Trap.
9 September 2024 UPDATE: ACCC chair calls for ban on strata insurance commissions as insurance giant Steadfast Group caught misleading clients – Linton Besser, ABC News
FOUR CORNERS: The Strata Trap
Monday 9 September at 8:30pm
More than 2.5 million Australians now live in an apartment, over the next decade, that number is set to soar.
And while governments are sweeping away planning controls to boost the number of apartments in our capital cities, the multibillion-dollar strata industry – supposed to protect homeowners’ interests – is cashing in.
This week, investigative reporter Linton Besser exposes the graft, and greed of the industry, and reveals that most states have turned a blind eye to the problems.
After thousands of Australians wrote to the ABC with shocking stories of financial abuse, The Strata Trap uncovers the unethical practices that have drained untold sums of money from apartment owners’ pockets.
Besser and the Four Corners team investigate key industry players – from neighbourhood cowboys to multinational corporations.
This program raises tough questions about the dearth of government intervention and lack of meaningful consumer protection.
The Strata Trap reported by Linton Besser goes to air on Monday 9 September at 8.30pm on ABC TV and ABC iview. See more at abc.net.au/news and on ABC News social media platforms.
For more information and interviews please contact ABC Publicist Paul Akkermans: akkermans.paul@abc.net.au / 02 8333 4556.
Have a question about the new WHS legislation and how it relates to strata or something to add to the article? Leave a comment below.
Read next:
- NAT: SCA Comments on ethics, conflicts and the future of the strata industry
- NAT: Body corporate charged $16k for Strata Manager to send 5 emails
- NAT: Strata Insurance Commission in Australia: Is transparency enough?
Visit our Strata Managers OR Strata Topics by State pages.
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Leonid Tsakanov says
Thank you Linton Besser, for rising up difficult questions about Strata Life.
There are so many dark corners and grey matters that make very hard to find the right solution in difficult times. Very important that there is no specifically prepared advisers who can help to solve problems.
You cannot ask question anywhere: not in Fair Trading Tribunal, not in local government office. Information provided on websites often conflicting with itself.
In addition NSW Government initiatives makes strata life even harder and more expensive. Strata Hub is just one of examples.