What’s the Difference Between a Committee Meeting and a General Meeting?
In strata and community schemes, meetings are where decisions get made but not all meetings are created equal. Two of the most common are committee meetings and general meetings.
They sound similar, but they serve different purposes, involve different people, and follow different rules. Let’s break it down.
1. Who Attends?
Committee Meeting:
Attended by the elected committee members (sometimes called the strata committee or management committee) and, if applicable, the strata or community manager. Owners who aren’t on the committee may be allowed to observe, depending on your state’s rules, but they don’t get to vote.
General Meeting:
Open to all owners in the scheme including the committee and often tenants as observers. Every owner has the right to vote, either in person, by proxy, or electronically (where allowed).
2. Purpose
Committee Meeting:
Deals with day-to-day decisions approving minor repairs, choosing contractors, handling correspondence, and making decisions delegated by the owners at a general meeting.
General Meeting:
Handles big-picture and statutory decisions approving budgets, setting levies, electing the committee, adopting or changing by-laws, and approving major works. Annual General Meetings (AGMs) are the most common type, but there can also be General Meetings (GMs) for urgent or significant matters.
3. Legal Requirements
Committee Meeting:
Usually requires less notice (sometimes just a few days) and a simpler agenda. Minutes must still be taken and kept as part of the official records.
General Meeting:
Has stricter notice requirements (often 7–21 days), detailed agendas, and specific motions that must be included, especially at AGMs. Certain decisions need special or unanimous resolutions.
4. Decision-Making Power
Committee Meeting:
Can make decisions on matters delegated by owners but can’t overstep what is restricted under the law. Big or legally significant matters usually need a general meeting.
General Meeting:
Holds the ultimate authority for major financial, legal, and structural decisions in the scheme.
In a Nutshell
Think of it like this:
Committee Meeting = the “managers” making routine calls.
General Meeting = the “shareholders” making major decisions.
Both are essential for keeping a strata or community scheme running smoothly, the trick is knowing which one you need for the decision at hand.
Disclaimer:
This article is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Readers should seek independent legal and professional guidance relevant to their specific circumstances and jurisdiction