Are you familiar with the essential office bearer positions within a strata committee? These roles play a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless functioning of your strata scheme. In this guide, we'll explore the three main office bearer roles and how they contribute to operational efficiency.
In NSW, getting onto the strata committee involves a nomination and election process at a General Meeting. Once elected, strata committee roles are not subject to voting at a General Meeting. Instead, the committee autonomously decides who will fill these roles. The process for making such decisions is at the discretion of the committee.
With the introduction of the Strata Legislation Amendment Bill 2023, election of the strata committee is no longer restricted to the once a year Annual General Meeting, but instead can be called for at any General Meeting.
Further changes from the Amendment Bill impacting strata committees also include:
Committee members can now be removed by a majority vote of the owners corporation.
A removed committee member will be prohibited from serving on the strata committee for a period of one year after removal.
Committee members are prevented from participating or voting on a matter where they have a financial interest.
Main Office Bearer Roles
1. Chairperson
The Chairperson plays a crucial role in running meetings, ensuring they proceed smoothly. This includes following the agreed agenda during General or Special Meetings, addressing points efficiently, and maintaining fairness in discussions and decisions.
2. Secretary
The Secretary's role is multifaceted, involving the calling and arrangement of meetings, creation of agendas, and minute-taking. Communication with owners and handling administrative tasks are key responsibilities, making organisational skills essential.
3. Treasurer
Similar to a chief financial officer, the Treasurer manages accounting records, prepares financial statements, and oversees the finances of the Owners Corporation. With responsibilities such as notifying owners of strata fee requirements and issuing fee notices, this role is best suited for someone with a financial background.
Strata Manager's Role
While not part of the strata committee, a strata manager can be appointed with a majority vote at a General Meeting. Appointing a strata manager, like Compass Strata, can alleviate the committee's workload and help them make informed-decisions by leaning on our expertise in regulatory compliance and at the coalface experience.
Many tasks performed by the Chairperson, Secretary, and Treasurer can be delegated to the strata manager, providing a centralised point of contact. As an independent unbiased party, the strata manager often acts as a mediator to foster community harmony too.
Streamline Your Strata Scheme with Compass Strata
Looking to streamline your strata scheme? Compass Strata offers expertise to fulfill all roles on your strata committee. With a centralised point of contact, we handle everything from organizing meetings to financial tasks, ensuring the success of your strata scheme. Contact Compass Strata today to discover how we can simplify your strata management.
