Body Corporate Financial Decisions: Meet Peter Hunt
BODY CORPORATE FINANCIAL DECISIONS: MEET PETER HUNT
Following the opening of our October seminar series on the Sunshine Coast, we’re heading to the Gold Coast next Wednesday! As our Strata Community Education Seminar Series continues across Queensland, we’re excited to introduce our next lawyer guest speaker, Peter Hunt, Director at Mathews Hunt Legal, who will share his legal perspective on body corporate financial decisions.
As our panel follows the financial journey of a body corporate, Peter will explore an important part of the picture – what happens when financial decisions intersect with legal obligations, committee authority and the appropriate approval processes?
Peter Hunt is Director at Mathews Hunt Legal and has focused almost exclusively on body corporate law since establishing the firm in 2010.
Peter began his legal career in Melbourne, where he was a Senior Associate at Corrs, before relocating to the Gold Coast with his family in 2004. He subsequently practised as a partner in two larger Gold Coast firms before establishing Mathews Hunt Legal.
Peter is a highly respected body corporate lawyer in Queensland and interstate and has been recognised as a Fellow of the Australian College of Community Association Lawyers.
His involvement in the sector extends beyond legal practice. Peter regularly presents on body corporate law and industry issues and has contributed to law reform activities, including legislative review and government submissions.
He is also a member of the Australian College of Strata Lawyers (ACSL) and Strata Community Australia (SCA).
When Financial Decisions Become Legal Decisions
Managing body corporate finances involves more than preparing a budget and paying expenses.
Committees are often required to consider significant financial decisions – and those decisions can bring questions about authority, approvals and legislative obligations.
Can a committee approve the expenditure itself, or does the decision need to go to a general meeting?
What happens when a significant expense is approaching but there is pressure to defer it?
What options are available when unexpected expenditure arises and the existing funds aren’t enough?
These are the kinds of situations where understanding both the financial position and the appropriate decision-making process becomes particularly important.
Our lawyer panelist will explore the distinction between committee authority and matters requiring general meeting approval, as well as the importance of following the appropriate processes when significant expenditure arises.
Can a Financial Decision Simply Be Deferred?
Committees can sometimes face competing priorities.
Insurance and everyday operating costs may be increasing, future works need to be planned for, and owners may understandably be concerned about the effect on their levy contributions.
But knowing that a significant expense is approaching can raise an important question: can dealing with it simply be put off?
The seminar will explore the difference between legitimate discretion around timing and obligations that cannot simply be deferred, as well as the relevance of spending limits, approval requirements and professional advice when navigating more complex expenditure.
It’s an important reminder that financial decision-making isn’t only about the amount being spent – how a decision is made can matter too.
What If the Budget Isn’t Enough?
Even the best planning cannot anticipate every expense.
Unexpected maintenance, defects or other unplanned costs can arise, and a body corporate may find that the funds currently available are not enough to meet a significant expense.
So, what happens next?
Our panel will explore the practical and legal considerations that can arise, including available funds, spending authority, approval requirements and circumstances where options such as a special levy or borrowing may need to be considered.
By bringing together practical financial management, legal governance and long-term planning, the discussion is designed to help attendees better understand how these different considerations connect.
Meet Our Strata Industry Exhibitors
Our expert panel isn’t the only reason to join us.
Throughout the October seminar series, attendees will also have the opportunity to connect with a broad range of experienced industry professionals, bringing together expertise from across the strata sector.
Our exhibitors are an important part of the seminar experience and education, providing an opportunity to meet industry specialists in person, ask questions and learn more about the services and expertise available to support body corporate communities.
Be sure to take the opportunity to meet our industry exhibitors throughout the evening.
Gold Coast – One Week to Go!
Committee Essentials: Understanding Body Corporate Finances
Where Does the Money Go? Demystifying Body Corporate Finances
Wednesday, 7 October 2026
People First Stadium
4.30pm – 7.00pm
Whether you’re a committee member, lot owner, building representative or simply want to better understand how body corporate finances work, join us as our panel takes you behind the numbers and explores the financial decisions bodies corporate face.
You don’t need to be an Archers client to attend.
Our October series will continue to Mackay, Brisbane and Cairns, with more expert guest speakers still to be introduced.
Stay tuned for our next speaker announcement as the seminar series continues across Queensland.
Article contributed by the Smart Strata Team.