Strata Committee members voted out at AGM

At the recent AGM an owner nominated that only 5 members be elected to the SC. No valid reasons was given to limiting the number of owners who could be elected to the SC. In previous years we have had up to 7 members on the SC.

I didn’t know I could have called first for 8 nominations. Whilst I understand the benefit of having an odd number of owners on the SC to assist with voting determinations. However  if I had of, I know I would have been out voted as it seems the majority of owners were determined to only allow 5 members to be elected to the SC.

Our SP had 8 nominations, so a ballot paper vote was taken and a few owners who had previously severed on the SC as officer bearers, who had a track record of ensuring the building was maintained and repaired, who had a good understanding of the legislation and the obligations of the OC were regrettably not elected to the SC.

In their place were elected owners who previously had not attended SC meetings nor at times had replied with instructions to the SMA to ensure majority responses were received.

I understand that SC members are volunteers and that all owners have busy lives. I have thought to put forward a motion to implement a code of conduct for the SC members to agree to. Ensuring that SC members understand their role, receive training on Strata legislation, particularly around the strict obligations of the OC relating to maintenance and repairs of common property. However I almost certain this motion would be defeated by the OC.

I am aware that living in a Strata building it’s a democracy. However when decisions like these are made by the OC to prevent certain owners from being elected to a SC without any reasonable explanation, in my opinion is unfair.

I know the legislation around this topic isn’t helpful. I wish the legislation had clearer rules around owners being elected to a SC, implementing new legislation and introducing a code of conduct. Outlining SC members obligations in attending SC meetings and providing instructions to the SMA.

Have you had a similar experience and what advice can you share for the next AGM, to ensue fairness in allowing all owners who nominate to be elected to a SC  (up to 9) be elected.

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