No the strata manager is not correct.
An abstention is an abstention – it means that the person has chosen not to vote on the matter. There are three options yes, no or abstain. If “abstain” meant “yes” then there would be only two options, wouldn’t there?
It doesn’t matter why someone has abstained from voting, they have simply chosen to abstain.
A special resolution requires that no more than 25% of the votes cast are cast against the motion, the value of the vote being unit entitlement. Therefore if more than 25% of the vote on the resolution based on unit entitlements was cast against the resolution, then the resolution was not passed.
Tell your strata manager that if he continues to give bad advice you will have to seek further advice from Fair Trading.