It isn’t compulsory for a complex to have a SM. You can opt for self managed. And a complex con decide on what powers their SM has (eg they can be authorized to issue NTC)
I think that if you choose to be self managed or want total control with SM implementing, then a compulsory course in strata management may be beneficial. Not only would those on the EC be more informed but I may deter those who think that being to the committee is enough and they can just sit in their units and not do anything, ever.
Personally, I would like to have a SM who had more authority and responsibility. Of course owners need to be brought in to decide on any proposed changes to common property or individual units. And an EC would be needed for contact purposes. In the past our SM has stepped in wherre they believe there is a safety issue for residents or general public coming into the complex. They didnt wait for EC approval – they knew that to get all members to reply usually took weeks! At best they could get half of them, at worse just me!
If our SM had more authority, the current maintenance issues in this complex would not exist. They are on common property outside of unit lots. Repairs would not require a change to the look of the complex. Repairs would negate any further damage. And best of all, the SM could address the few rogue parkers who still exist in this complex with a NTC. Which would include issuing such to our esteemed EC.
Of course the SM would charge more for this increased service. But then our EC’s procrastination on getting anything done will cost more to owners too, as the maintenance issues get worse and the list gets longer.