@JimmyT said:
And in NSW the Act says pretty much the same thing but adds that in any conflict between decisions of the EC and those of the Owners Corporation, the Owners Corp prevails.
Same in ACT. The EC acts as directed by resolutions of general meetings or, in the absence of direction, as it sees fit. Since the approved budget is a direction of a general meeting there is considerable restraint on the EC. However, the EC has some scope, indeed responsibility, to take action and spend money when urgent.