Strata Committees: Your Friendly Guide
Ready to make sense of how strata committees work? Whether you’re thinking about getting involved or just want to know who’s handling your building’s decisions, here’s what you need to know in a simple, format.
What’s a Strata Committee, Anyway?
A strata committee is a small group chosen to represent all lot owners in your building or complex. Think of them as the on-the-ground team keeping things running smoothly for everyone.
Day-to-day decisions: The committee takes care of routine choices repairs, finance, meetings, you name it. They act as the "brains" of the owners corporation for their term.
Who Can Join?
You might be eligible if you’re:
A lot owner,
Nominated by an owner (who isn’t running themselves), or
The representative of a company that owns a lot.
How Are Committee Members Chosen?
It’s all about the Annual General Meeting (AGM):
Two-lot schemes: Both owners are automatically committee members.
Large schemes (100+ lots): At least three members are required.
Most other schemes: Committees can have between 1 and 9 members, depending on what suits your building.
Meet the Office Bearers
Once your committee is set, three key roles get filled:
Chairperson: Runs meetings and keeps everything on track (but doesn’t get an extra ‘casting’ vote for ties).
Secretary: Sends out notices, takes meeting minutes, and manages paperwork.
Treasurer: Oversees the budget, levies, and general finances.
Every job has its own flavour make sure to pick a role that fits your skills and patience for paperwork!
Why Join the Committee?
Make a real difference: Influence decisions that affect your daily life and community vibe.
Get to know your neighbours: Build relationships and foster goodwill.
Big impact: Especially in smaller buildings, your voice really counts.
Heads up: Committee life isn’t always a walk in the park sometimes you’ll deal with disagreements, complaints, personality clashes or complex rules.
How Do Decisions Happen?
(Check with your relevant State or Territory legislation for the exact process).
Meetings can be called any time: The secretary organises meetings, or a third of members can request one
Advance notice: Members get at least three days' notice, plus a detailed agenda.
Attendance: At least half the committee must show up for anything official to happen (that's a quorum).
Voting: Each committee member gets a vote. If more vote ‘yes’ than ‘no,’ the motion passes. Simple as that!
Conflicts of interest: If a topic affects a member personally, they have to speak up and step out while that topic’s discussed.
Written votes: Can’t get together? No worries you can vote on issues in writing, as long as proper procedures are followed.
What About Strata Managers?
Committees can hand lots of their tasks to a professional strata manager if they want. Managers know the ins and outs of strata law and can help keep everything legal and above board especially handy if the committee’s full of newbies.
Resolving Disputes
Sometimes, the committee and other owners see things differently. When that happens, the owners as a group have the final say. The committee works for everyone, not just themselves!
Need a Hand?
Strata committees aren’t always smooth sailing there can be confusion, conflict, or tough calls. When things get tricky, reach out to specialist strata lawyers for advice. They’ll help you navigate the bumps and keep your building running happily.
Did you know!!
Equivalent Terms for Strata Committees Across Australia
The term "strata committee" is commonly used in New South Wales, but each state and territory in Australia uses its own terminology for the elected group that handles day-to-day management of strata or body corporate schemes.
Here’s a clear comparison:
State/Territory
Equivalent Term for Strata Committee
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Executive Committee
Northern Territory (NT)
Committee
Queensland (QLD)
Committee / Body Corporate Committee
South Australia (SA)
Management Committee
Tasmania (TAS)
Committee of Management
Victoria (VIC)
Committee
Western Australia (WA)
Council (of the Strata Company)
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
