So, does NSW have a correct and proper formal means to lodge an ‘absentee vote’ as can be done in the ACT?
Here in the ACT, we don’t have a form precisely specified by regulation as, I think, is the case in NSW. However, a meeting notice must include proxy and absentee voting forms. In practice the two functions can be conflated on a single form. The layout of the form our OC uses lets an owner appoint a proxy, with or without directing their vote on some, none or all of the listed motions or the owner can indicate their absentee vote as yes, no or abstain on the listed motions without appointing a proxy. The difference between an absentee vote and a directed proxy appointment is that the proxy can also vote on any unlisted procedural motions or motions to amend a listed motion.
In principle, I could appoint a proxy to vote on my behalf as they see fit except for one motion where I might direct my proxy to vote a particular way on the form. On occasion, I have voted twice one way, for myself and as a proxy, then voted the other way as proxy for someone else since that is how I was directed.