Having read your other query in relation to by-laws, your strata manager sounds really helpful, not.
No to both questions – there have been no changes to the Act that preclude general business being included as an item on the agenda. General business is usually iincluded on agendas for meetings to enable people to raise anything that may not be covered, general concerns etc. Provided no resolutions are moved and approved under general business then there is no issue (you can’t move a resolution without notice).
You can change the order of resolutions – the Chair can rule against it but perhaps you can ask the other owners if they object and then ask the Chair why there is a problem.
Perhaps you should get someone else to chair the meeting, and next time ask the SM to show you exactly where in the legislation it says that something can’t be done.