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From 1 October 2026, new and returning strata committee members must complete free online training delivered by NSW Fair Trading. This must be done within 3 months of being appointed to the committee.
If a committee member’s training is not done on time, they are automatically removed from the committee.
https://www.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-construction/strata/serving-on-a-committee/strata-committee-training
I think this is a positive move. There will be many opinions about this, but I think it is a step in the right direction.I would like to see the level of training increase compared to what will be initially in place
The linked website mentions what happens if a committee member doesn’t complete the training on time.
My questions are:
How do regular lot owners find out if their committee has completed the training?
What can an owner do if some or all committee members haven’t completed it?
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My questions are: How do regular lot owners find out if their committee has completed the training? What can an owner do if some or all committee members haven’t completed it?
Good questions. If you scroll down the page you have linked, it tells you that committee members who have completed the training will get a “certificate of completion.” But it also says Fair Trading will not take action against committee members who don’t complete the training and continue serving. In other words, it’s a mess. But it’s worth reading the link you sent, in full and in detail. In summary, it seems to put the pressure on the committee secretary to make sure all the members have done the training. Light the touch paper and stand well back – fireworks are about to ensue.
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While it says Fair Trading ‘won’t take action’ it also says they will ‘automatically stop being a committee member’ if they don’t complete the training.
I agree it will be interesting, but I think there will be social pressure within committees. Those who have done the training will lean on those that haven’t. And if they miss the deadline, just say ‘you’re out’.
I’ve heard of too many committees with members who are really only there to look out for their personal interests or push their personal barrows, with neighbours who don’t question their self-nomination at an AGM in the interests of harmony.
Now, a secretary can just say ‘Sorry, my hands are tied. The law says you’re not a committee member any more.’
Stratahub will have the records of who has completed training and has the details of the strata management, secretary etc, so should easily be able to make the training qualifications available to the secretary, manager and the owners.
Stratahub will have the records of who has completed training and has the details of the strata management, secretary etc, so should easily be able to make the training qualifications available to the secretary, manager and the owners.
Ah, but will they? I can hear the “privacy” squeals already. The website says nothing about the records being vailable on the Hub so I would assume they won’t be.
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There is a certificate of completion for the strata committee training. The secretary should collect the certificate from each strata committee member as evidence of their completion of the training.
Here is the email sent from Angus Abadee, Strata and Property ServicesCommissioner NSW, on 28 August 2026.
Access to free online strata committee member training coming soon
Dear strata committee member,As the NSW Strata and Property Services Commissioner, I am writing to you about a new training requirement designed to support you in your important role.
NSW Fair Trading recognises that being a committee member is one of the most impactful ways to contribute to your strata community. As a committee member, you make key decisions that affect people’s homes, finances and wellbeing.
To help committee members with their roles and responsibilities, NSW Fair Trading has developed a free, 1-hour online training course that will be available through Strata Hub – the NSW Fair Trading platform for free strata tools and resources.
More information is available on the Strata committee training webpage.
Who needs to do the training?
From 1 October 2026, strata committee members in NSW must complete the training within 3 months of being appointed to their committee.
If you are appointed before 1 October 2026, you don’t need to complete the training until you are next appointed to the role. However, you can still take advantage of the free online training early to best support you in your role.
Strata committee members for two-lot schemes (such as duplexes) don’t need to complete the training.
How can I complete the training?
From 1 October 2026, you will be able to start the training by following the link on the Strata committee training webpage.
I encourage you to share this webpage with your strata committee now, and after any new committee members are appointed, to ensure they are aware of this new resource.
What is included in the training?
Whether stepping into the role for the first time or bringing years of experience, this self-paced foundational training will help you to:
- understand legal and ethical responsibilities
- make informed and balanced decisions
- manage budgets, repairs and long-term planning
- navigate disputes, complaints and more.
What else do I need to know?
Committee secretaries should read NSW Fair Trading’s guidance on recommended tasks to support committee members to complete their training on time.
If you are in a self-managed scheme or responsible for preparing the annual general meeting (AGM) agenda, you may wish to update the agenda item for the election of the strata committee (for AGMs held from 1 October onwards). Consider including a statement that committee members will need to complete NSW Fair Trading’s strata committee training within 3 months of their appointment.
Other updates that apply from 1 October
Strata committee members should be aware that:
- if you’ve already registered in Strata Hub – after 30 September, you’ll need to reset your password using our updated sign-in system. Instructions will be provided to support this process.
- only two-lot schemes will be exempt from strata annual reporting. All other strata schemes must continue to complete Strata annual reporting within 3 months of their AGM. Fines of up to $5,500 may apply for schemes that do not comply.
Kind regards,
Angus Abadee
NSW Strata and Property Services Commissioner