This summary, based on the NRSCH website (nrsch.gov.au as well as information garnered by playing a part in the Consultative Forum of the NRSCH) is provided to our associated Community Housing Providers (CHPs) as you seek to come to grips with our new regulatory environment. In June 2011, Housing Ministers across Australia agreed to a blueprint for a National Regu

latory System for community housing providers. The proposed system seeks to introduce nationally consistent regulatory arrangements to promote the growth of the community housing sector nationally.

The NRSCG has undergone a “phase 1” evaluation with 23 CHPs across Australia participating (you can see the final report on the phase 1 evaluation by clicking here). This evaluation phase found that the guidelines and procedures for registration are “fit-for-purpose”, although some tweaking is required. The Registrars determinations were found to be credible and requirements for additional evidence or recommendations were found to be generally reasonable. For NSW CHPs these changes should not be significant as our existing system is already similar.

How will National Regulation Affect you?

From January 1 2014 the NRSCH will move into phase 2. All providers should by now have been notified in writing of their provisional Tier and Primary Jurisdiction allocation. The provisional allocation is based on information currently held by registrars about a provider’s community housing business. Please note this is only provisional. A provider can choose to apply for registration in any Tier. The Primary Registrar will always, on the basis of the evidence submitted by the provider to support their registration application, make a decision about registration and the appropriate tier of registration. More information is available in the Tier Guidelines on the NRSCH website. Alternatively you can contact your Primary Registrar for more information about your own provisional tier allocation.

There is an on-line “CHRIS” portal that will allow you to systematically upload documents to support your application, rather than having to collate and send hard copies. Using feedback from phase 1, this portal should now allow providers to upload a document that can support more than one requirement.

The Key Documents

There is a key suite of documents that you should read and use as a base prior to commencing your registration. Links are provided within the title of the document.

DOCUMENT	DESCRIPTION
National Law	The legislative framework which includes the Code.
National Regulatory Code	National Regulatory Code outlines the seven performance outcomes. Focus is on what is done not how.
NRSCH Charter	Provides an overview of the NRSCH: Vision, Objectives, Regulatory Principles and Philosophy.
Evidence Guidelines	Describes the performance indicators and the evidence sources for assessment against the seven performance outcomes.
Tiers Guidelines	Describes the various tiers and how any application is based on scale, scope and associated risk. It also allows a provider to appeal a tier ruling
Enforcement Guidelines	Outlines the actions available to Registrars for provider non-compliance. Has been described as moving from “raising an eyebrow” to “taking out the baseball bat”.
Fact Sheets and FAQ	A summary of what you need to know

Churches Housing supports the NRSCH and hopes that this system will demonstrate that the affordable housing industry is viable, well governed and well managed. If you are a smaller faith-based provider who requires assistance in the registration process, commence by familiarising yourself with all of the above documentation and then contacting the Registrar:  www.nrsch.gov.au/States+and+Territories/ . If you then require some technical support, advice or assistance you may also contact our office.