You are so right.
I think it is just politicians grandstanding at the moment, we will have to wait and see what the legislation contains.
The media reports referred only to locks, whereas I believe the legislation for new builldings already permits bars, safety-type flyscreens or limit locks.
Let me add a few more considerations.
Will this apply to casement windows as well as sliding windows?
Will there be a minimum sill height which creates an exemption? For instance, bathroom and laundry windows.
Who is responsible for lost keys? (The LPI definition of Common Property says the Owner, not the OC).
If the window is locked open 12.5cm, then the occupier loses the key, then it rains, who is responsible for damage to common property?
As you rightly say, children can fall from balconies too, and as balconies can only be accessed via sliding doors, why not extend this to sliding balcony doors?
When smoke alarms became compulsory in existing buildings, the obligation was not loaded onto the OC. Owners were individually responsible. Why should window locks be any different?
Then there’s the cost. Yes, insignificant compared to a child’s life. But, Westmead Childrens Hospital says $5 per lock. The recent media release says $15. Neither includes the services of a locksmith to install them. This could turn into another pink batts / solar panel rort.
I know, let’s give the OC more responsibility and more worK.