Eyeroll, from what I have seen in my strata, I agree 100% with Jimmy’s first point about whether or not there is mention in the strata mgt agreement that pmt by the strata mgr can only follow an instruction by the strata committee or for that matter any person nominated by the strata committee to act in its name.
Separately, the question of whether the progress pmt invoice was justified. The strata mgr should be asked what work by the contractor justified the invoice to be paid?