Nicole Wilde

Lee Hipkins, former general manager of Body Corporate Headquarters , has been charged with allegedly defrauding body corporate clients of approximately $450,000. The Gold Coast-based case currently underway (as at Jan 2026) highlights how trusted body corporate managers with access to collective funds can exploit gaps in financial oversight, potentially misappropriating money intended for building maintenance, repairs, and community expenses over extended periods. This case serves as a...

Based on research by Dr Nicole Johnston, “At the Crossroads: Addressing Pervasive Conflicts of Interest in Strata Management” (Strata Knowledge Pty Ltd, October 2025) The Problem: Hidden Commissions and Kickbacks If you own an apartment in Queensland, your body corporate manager plays a huge role in looking after your building and your money. But did you know that many managers get paid extra—commissions and kickbacks—from insurance companies and suppliers? This means they might make...

What Is a PCBU? Under section 5 of the WHS Act, a PCBU is defined as a person who conducts a business or undertaking, whether alone or...