Strata committee training: necessity or burden?

Owners’ corporation (OC) committees play a vital role in managing our residential buildings. Yet these annually elected volunteers often face wide-spread criticism ranging from accusations of misunderstanding complex strata regulations to internal dysfunction, to explicit conflicts of interest.

One proposed solution is committee training, a measure recently introduced in New South Wales (NSW). NSW now requires OC committee members to undertake formal training, aligning their duties more closely with those of company directors. The goal is to ensure members understand their roles and responsibilities, improving governance, reducing disputes, and fostering a more cooperative strata environment.

Those welcoming the move as a step toward stronger governance point to the face that while most volunteers may be well-meaning, many have struggled with the legal, financial, and operational responsibilities of their role, often learning on-the-job from others (who may similarly lack a firm understanding). Advocates argue that well-trained committees lead to better decision-making, greater transparency, and fewer conflicts.

However, others are raising concerns about the practicality and unintended consequences of compulsory training. A major concern with compulsory training is that additional requirements may deter volunteers. These unpaid roles already carry significant responsibilities, and further obligations could shrink the already limited pool of willing participants.

There are also questions about the content, delivery, and oversight of the training. If too general, it risks being a box-ticking exercise with minimal impact. If too specialised, it may overwhelm volunteers who simply want to contribute without becoming strata law experts.

Another key issue is who should provide the training. Should it be led by not-for-profits with experience in strata governance (and how many of these are there?), or will commercial providers dominate the space?

If training becomes mandatory, it could create a lucrative market, potentially attracting providers more focused on profit than quality education. Accessibility is also a concern. OC committees consist of individuals with varying availability, and our residential buildings are spread across the state. While online courses offer convenience, they lack the interactive benefits of in-person sessions. Striking the right balance between accessibility and effectiveness will be crucial.

To explore these issues, the Owners Corporation Network (OCN) is hosting a free webinar on April 17, 2025, at 12pm AEST, titled “Committee Rights, Responsibilities, and New Training Requirements.”

While focused on NSW, the discussion is also relevant to Victoria, where we are awaiting news on our own OC legislative review. To register and join the conversation, go to ocn.org.au

Ultimately, while mandatory committee training presents challenges, it may also offer a much-needed pathway to enhance strata governance and create more effective committees. The key is ensuring training is informative and accessible without becoming an unnecessary burden on volunteers. •