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I am not in NSW so don’t take my advice as gospel about what is and is not common property. That said, on the face of it, you have done your own research and also have the professional advice of your strata manager and both say ‘This is the unit owner’s problem to fix.’ Since the managing agent has given that written advice to the owner, it would be sufficient for the committee to record in its minutes that a question about responsibility for maintenance of the stairs was raised by the owner of lot X and the strata manager has written to the owner and advised that they are the owner’s responsibility. You could append a copy of the letter to the minutes. You could also have a committee member speak personally to the owner to ensure they understand and have received the SM’s letter.
I don’t see why you would feel you should advise the committee to fix the stairs. When people are persistent and bully they often get their way but you should also think of the other owners. Why should you be the agent of the bully in getting the meek to pay for something that is not their responsibility? Far better that you help them stand up to the bully. Often people like this are accustomed to pushing and pushing and then getting their way. Often they also back off surprisingly quickly despite all their chest-beating when they meet someone prepared to stand up for proper principles.