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Absolutely!
The EC or agent should quickly pursue the gardener to claim on his insurance as the gardener should have insurance to cover the damage BUT if things get bogged down and you need to use the air con then press the OC to fix the problem via their insurance or funds as they have the, immediate, s62 duty regardless of who did the damage.
The following is from Clover Moores' 2009 Strata discussion paper.
The full paper can be found HERE
Issue 4.3 Damage to Common Property
Owners Corporations pay for damage to common property, regardless who caused it.
If the OC need to fix the problem via their own insurance or funds then it does not dissolve the gardener of responsibility for his damage; it just mean you get a more immediate repair while the gardener fights what should be a losing battle.
If your agent is suggesting you (personally) chase the gardener for reimbursement, are they suggesting you get it fixed, using your personal (not OC) funds, and then have the gardener reimburse you?
You should look into getting a new agent if that is the case. They should know it is not for the owner to chase up this type of matter.
If the gardener will not take immediate action (make a claim on his policy) then claim on the OCs policy and let the OCs insurer chase the gardener.
This matter presents as one that deals with damage to common property and it is an administration matter i.e. agent or EC. Have a quick look at the agency agreement and see if insurance claims is a part of the delegation of duties to the agent and make a claim on the OCs policy if the gardener wont play nice.